.  ,MINIAtU;RE  OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON 

' «  c  .P-rftserit'e'd  to  Tobias  Lear  by  Mrs.  Washington. 


Letters  and  Recollections 
of  George  Washington 


Being  letters  to  Tobias  Lear  and  others  be 
tween  1790  and  1799,  showing  the  First 
American  in  the  management  of  his  estate 
and  domestic  affairs. 

With  a  diary  of  Washington's  last  days, 
kept  by  Mr.  Lear. 


Illustrat,d  from 
rart  aid  ftrtraits,  photograph}  and  engravingi 


New  York 

Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 
1906 


\ 


Copyright,  1905,  by  W.  K.  Bixby 

Copyright,   1906,  by 

Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 

Published,  July,  1906 


All  rights  reserved, 

including  that  of  translation  into  foreign  languages, 
including  the  Scandinavian 


The  letters  to  Mr.  Tobias  Lear  contained  in 
this  volume  were  copied  from  the  originals  writ 
ten  by  Washington.  The  volume  was  furnished 
to  me,  while  I  was  preparing  Washington's  Writ 
ings  for  the  press,  by  Mr.  Lincoln  Lear,  and  I 
now  present  it  to  his  daughter,  Miss  Louisa  Lear. 

JARED  SPARKS 

Cambridge, 

October,  1852. 


891,078 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

The  publishers  acknowledge  gratefully  the  permis 
sion  given  by  Mr.  W.  K.  Bixby  to  use  in  this  collection 
those  letters  to  Tobias  Lear  included  in  a  privately 
printed  volume  of  Washington  letters  already  issued  by 
him. 

But  for  the  courteous  assistance  received  at  the 
Lenox  Library,  much  that  it  was  our  privilege  to  include 
in  this  collection,  must  have  been  omitted. 

The  volume  of  "  Letters  to  William  Pearce  from 
George  Washington,"  brought  out  by  the  Long  Island 
Historical  Society,  is  the  authority  for  several  interesting 
letters  to  Mr.  Pearce  herein  reproduced. 


IX 


INTRODUCTION. 

The  letters  from  George  Washington  to  my  grand 
father,  Tobias  Lear,  included  in  this  volume,  are  inter 
esting  as  showing  a  side  of  that  great  man's  character 
new  to  the  public.  His  mastery  of  detail  in  domestic 
life  appears  to  have  been  as  remarkable  as  his  power  to 
conduct  the  affairs  of  a  great  nation. 

His  confidence  in  my  grandfather  is  proved  by  these 
letters  to  him — if  proof  is  needed.  He  entrusted  him 
with  the  management  of  those  household  details  so 
interesting  and  important  in  his  eyes.  Tobias  Lear 
was  born  in  1760  in  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire;  he 
graduated  from  Harvard  in  1783,  entering  at  once  upon 
the  duties  of  tutor  to  Washington's  adopted  children, 
afterwards  becoming  his  private  secretary,  in  which 
capacity  he  remained  for  sixteen  years,  or  until  Wash 
ington's  death.  He  was  also  his  military  aide,  with 
rank  of  Colonel,  when  such  services  were  needed.  Be 
sides  his  professional  position,  he  had  a  higher  standing 
in  the  family  through  marriage.  After  the  death  of 
his  first  wife — Mary  Long,  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  my 
own  grandmother — he  married  Fanny  Washington; 
and  again,  after  her  death,  Frances  Dandridge  Henley, 
a  niece  of  Martha  Washington.  Through  this  last 


X 

marriage,  I  became  the  possessor  of  a  very  valuable  and 
unique  quilt,  made  by  Mrs.  Washington's  wn  hands, 
which  was  used  on  George  Washington's  bed.  The  min 
iature  of  Washington  here  reproduced  was  presented  to 
Tobias  Lear  by  Martha  Washington,  after  her  husband's 
death.  It  has  a  large  lock  of  his  hair  at  the  back  of  it. 
The  miniature  of  Tobias  Lear  is  a  remarkably  fine  one, 
painted  by  Cottoni,  an  Italian.  The  setting  is  of  gold, 
bordered  by  a  narrow  band  of  blue  enamel,  edged  on 
each  side  by  seed  pearls. 

Tobias  Lear's  only  child — my  father — was  christened 
Benjamin  Lincoln,  after  General  Lincoln.  My  grand 
father  writes,  in  a  letter  to  William  Atkinson:  "Our 
boy  has  the  name  of  Benjamin  Lincoln  in  memory  of 
my  true  friend  and  one  of  the  best  of  men.  Many 
express  their  surprise  that  a  son  of  mine,  born  too  in 
this  family,  should  receive  any  other  name  than  that  of 
George  Washington.  But  altho'  I  love  &  respect  the 
great  man  who  bears  that  name,  yet  I  would  not  for 
the  world  do  a  thing  that  could  savour  of  adulation 
toward  him — and  if  I  would  not  adulate  him  I  am  sure 
I  would  adulate  no  human  being." 

Washington  was  this  child's  godfather,  presenting 
him  with  a  silver  pap-cup  and  spoon.  Unfortunately, 
the  cup  was  stolen. 

The  locket  here  shown,  containing  a  lock  of  my 
grandmother's  hair,  is  of  glass,  set  in  gold,  upon  which 
is  engraved  the  date  of  her  death,  and  "To  B.  L.  L. 
from  his  friend  M.  Washington. " 


XI 

Tobias  Lear  evidently  had,  in  a  quiet  way,  consider 
able  influence  over  Washington.  The  diary  mentions 
the  fact  of  his  moderating  Washington's  excitement 
over  something  he  was  reading  in  the  paper.  It  was 
also  through  his  persuasions  that  his  New  England  trip 
was  taken. 

I  have  written  this  short  introduction  to  show  in 
what  high  esteem  Washington  held  Lear.  As  to  my 
grandfather's  affection  for  Washington,  the  diary 
shows. 

I  was  defrauded  of  the  originals  of  these  letters. 

LOUISA  LEAR  EYRE. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Letters  from  George  Washington  to  his  Secre 
tary,  Tobias  Lear 3 

The  last  days  of  George  Washington  from  a 

diary  kept  by  Mr.  Lear  .  .  .  .129 

Miscellaneous  letters  revealing  the  great  States 
man's  mode  of  life  at  Mt.  Vernon  .  .  142 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

Miniature  of  George  Washington       .        Frontispiece 

FACING   PAGE 

Miniature  of  Tobias  Lear  ....  68 
Washington's  bedroom  in  which  he  died  .  .  134 
Commemoration  of  the  death  of  Washington  .  140 
Quilt  given  to  Mr.  Lear  by  the  Washingtons  .  162 
The  Stuart  portrait  of  Martha  Washington  .  184 
Third  Wife  of  Tobias  Lear  .  .  .  .226 

(Also  a  niece  of  Martha  Washington) 

The  homes  of  Washington  and  Robert  Morris, 

Philadelphia 250 


LETTERS    AND    RECOLLECTIONS 
OF    GEORGE    WASHINGTON 


LETTERS   AND    RECOLLECTIONS  OF 
GEORGE  WASHINGTON 

No.  i 

PHILADELPHIA,  Septr.  5th.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

After  a  pleasant  journey  we  arrived  in  this  City  about 
2  o'clock  on  Thursday  last.  To  morrow  we  proceed 
(if  Mrs.  Washington's  health  will  permit,  for  she  has 
been  much  indisposed  since  she  came  here)  towards 
Mount  Vernon. 

The  house  of  Mr.  R.  Morris  had,  previous  to  my  ar 
rival,  been  taken  by  the  Corporation  for  my  residence. 
It  is  the  best  they  could  get.  It  is,  I  believe,  the  best 
Single  house  in  the  City ;  yet  without  additions,  it  is  in 
adequate  to  the  commodious  accommodations  of  my 
family.  These,  I  believe  will  be  made. 

The  first  floor  contains  only  two  public  Rooms  (ex 
cept  one  for  the  upper  Servants).  The  second  floor 
will  have  two  public  (drawing)  Rooms  &  with  the  aid 
of  one  Room  with  the  partition  in  it,  in  the  back  build 
ing  will  be  sufficient  for  the  accommodation  of  Mrs. 
Washington  &  the  children  &  their  maids — besides 
affording  me  a  small  place  for  a  private  study  and  dress 
ing  room.  The  third  story  will  furnish  you  and  Mrs. 
Lear  with  a  good  lodging  Room, — a  public  office  (for 
there  is  no  place  below  for  one)  and  two  Rooms  for  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  family.  The  Garret  has  four  good 
Rooms  which  must  serve  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hyde  (unless 
they  should  prefer  the  Room  over  the  Wash  house), 


LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 


such  servants  as  it  may  not  be  better  to 
•  slaee  in.tfifc  Addition  (as  proposed)  to  the  back  building. 
.TKere^Vtfbom  over  the  Stable  (without  a  fireplace, 
but  by  means  of  a  Stove)  may  serve  the  Coachman  & 
Postillions;  and  there  is  a  smoke  house,  which  possi 
bly  may  be  more  useful  to  me  for  the  accommodation 
of  Servants,  than  for  smoking  of  meat.  The  intention  of 
the  addition  to  the  back  Building  is  to  provide  a  Ser 
vants'  Hall,  and  one  or  two  (as  it  will  afford)  lodging 
Rooms  for  the  Servants,  especially  those  who  are 
coupled.  There  is  a  very  good  Wash  house  adjoining 
the  Kitchen  (under  one  of  the  Rooms  already  men 
tioned).  There  are  good  Stables,  but  for  12  horses 
only,  and  a  Coach  house  which  will  hold  all  my 
Carriages. 

Speaking  of  Carriages, — I  have  left  my  Coach  to  re 
ceive  a  thorough  repair  against  I  return  (which  I  expect 
will  happen  before  the  first  of  December)  and  I  request 
you  will  visit  Mr.  Clark  (into  whose  hands  it  is  com 
mitted)  often,  to  see  it  well  done ;  and  that  I  may  not 
be  disappointed  in  the  time  allowed  him  for  the  com 
pletion,  which  is  by  the  2  5th.  of  November.  The  har 
ness  is  also  left  with  him,  and  he  has  my  Ideas  on  this 
subject: — generally  they  are,  if  the  wheel  harness 
(which  I  understand  was  left  at  New  York)  can  be 
made  complete,  and  look  as  well  as  if  they  were  new, 
then  &  in  that  case,  he  is  to  make  a  set  of  pole-end  Har 
ness  to  suit  them,  both  to  be  plated — but  if  this  can 
not  be  accomplished,  the  set  is  to  be  made  entirely  new, 
— and  in  the  best  style. 

I  have  requested  Colo.  Biddle  to  take  measure  for 
laying  in  wood  for  me,  this  being,  he  thinks,  the  proper 
time  for  doing  it,  &  to  draw  upon  you  for  the  amount 
of  Cost. 

The  pressure  of  business  under  which  I  laboured  for 
several  days  before  I  left  New  York,  allowed  me  no 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  5 

time  to  enquire  who  of  the  female  servants  it  was  pro 
posed  or  thought  advisable  to  remove  here,  besides 
the  wives  of  the  footmen, — namely,  James  and  Fidas. 
The  Washerwomen,  I  believe,  are  good,  but  as  they, 
or  one  of  them  at  least,  has  a  family  of  children — quere, 
whether  it  is  necessary  to  incumber  the  march, — and 
the  family  afterwards  with  them?  I  neither  contradict 
or  advise  the  measure — your  own  judgment,  and  the 
circumstances  of  the  case  must  decide  the  point: — but 
unless  there  is  better  reason  than  I  am  acquainted  with 
for  bringing  Mrs.  Lewis,  her  daughter  and  their  fami 
lies  along,  they  had  better,  I  should  conceive,  be  left : 
— but  as  I  never  investigated  the  subject,  I  will  give  no 
decisive  opinion  thereon. 

As  Mr.  Hyde  some  little  time  before  I  left  New  York 
expressed  dissatisfaction,  signifying  he  could  neither 
enjoy  under  the  conduct  of  the  servants  the  happiness 
he  wished,  or  render  those  services  he  thought  might 
be  expected  from  him,  it  might  be  well  for  you  before 
I  am  at  the  expense  of  his  removal,  to  know  decidedly 
what  his  determination  is,  and  his  views  with  respect 
to  a  continuance.  There  can  be  no  propriety  in  sad- 
ling  me  with  the  cost  of  his  transportation,  &  that  of 
his  baggage,  if  he  has  it  in  contemplation  to  leave  me 
at,  or  soon  after  his  arrival.  And  I  am  the  rather  in 
clined  to  make  this  suggestion  now  as  time  will  allow 
you  to  scrutinize  his  accounts,  and  to  form  a  good  com 
parative  view  of  them  with  Francis's.  As  a  steward, 
I  am  satisfyed  William  (independent  of  the  woman, 
&  what  her  excellence  is  I  really  know  not)  would  be 
full  his  equal — and  I  think  the  dinners,  if  the  Cook  had 
more  agency  in  the  planing  of  them,  would  be  better ; 
— at  least  more  tasty,  but  this  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hyde's 
pride  will  not  submit  to.  As  I  have  got  to  the  end  of 
the  paper  and  am  tired,  I  shall  only  add  that  your  let 
ter  of  the  3d.  with  its  enclosures  came  safe — and  that 


6  LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Mrs.  Washington  joins  me  in  best  wishes  for  Mrs.  Lear 
and  yourself.     I  am  sincerely  &  affectionately — 

Yrs. 
P.  S. 

In  a  fortnight  or  20  days  from  this  time,  it  is  ex 
pected  Mr.  Morris  will  have  removed  out  of  the  house. 
It  is  proposed  to  add  bow  windows  to  the  two  public 
Rooms  in  the  South  front  of  the  house,  but  as  all  the 
other  apartments  will  be  close  and  secure  the  sooner 
after  that  time  you  can  be  in  the  house,  with  the  fur 
niture,  the  better,  that  you  may  be  well  fixed  and  see 
how  matters  go  on  during  my  absence. 
MR.  LEAR. 

No.  2. 

BALTIMORE,  Septr.  gth.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

Agreeably  to  the  information  given  in  my  last,  I 
left  Philadelphia  on  Monday  and  arrived  here  yesterday 
afternoon.  To  day  I  rest.  To  morrow  I  proceed,  and 
hope  to  arrive  safe  at  Mount  Vernon  on  Saturday, 
after  taking  dinner  at  Abingdon,  on  our  way. 

In  order  that  you  may  not  be  too  fast  or  too  slow  in 
your  removal  to  Philadelphia,  it  might  be  well  to  open 
a  correspondence  with  Mr.  Morris,  requesting  him  to 
inform  you  at  what  time  the  house  will  be  ready  to  re 
ceive  the  furniture,  because  it  is  proposed  as  I  was  in 
formed  after  writing  to  you  on  Sunday  last,  to  have  the 
Rooms  painted  after  Mr.  Morris  should  have  left  it. 
I  would  not  let  the  bow  windows,  or  any  other  addi 
tion  to  the  house,  or  any  of  the  out  buildings  be  any 
impediment  to  your  removal,  for  you  will  have  suffi 
cient  Room  to  stow  the  furniture  (intended  for  the  two 
large  Rooms)  in  some  other  parts  of  the  house ;  and  for 
all  those  who  will  accompany  you ;  and  by  being  on  the 
spot  you  will  have  it  more  in  your  power  to  provide 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON'  7 

wood,  and  make  such  other  arrangements  as  shall  be 
found  necessary,  than  you  can  do  at  a  distance, 
besides  accomplishing  the  main  point  (that  is,  the 
removal)  before  the  weather  becomes  cold  and  intem 
perate. 

In  my  last  I  left  it  with  you  to  decide  on  the  pro 
priety  of  bringing  the  Washer  women.  I  do  so  still. 
But  with  respect  to  Mrs.  Lewis  and  her  daughter,  I 
wish  it  may  not  be  done,  especially  as  it  is  in  contem 
plation  to  transplant  Hercules  or  Nathan  from  the 
Kitchen  at  Mount  Vernon  to  that  in  Philadelphia ;  and 
because  the  dirty  figures  of  Mrs.  Lewis  and  her 
daughter  will  not  be  a  pleasant  sight  in  view  (as  the 
Kitchen  always  will  be)  of  the  principal  entertaining 
rocms  in  our  new  habitation. 

Upon  a  second  conversation  with  Mr.  Clark,  the 
Coach  maker,  it  was  concluded  to  have  the  Harness  for 
the  Coach  quite  new  and  plated ;  and  I  should  be  glad 
if  you  would  see  that  they  are  handsomely  executed. 
He  is  to  make  harness  for  the  pole-end  as  well  as  for  the 
wheel  horses,  &  promises  that  every  thing  shall  be 
completed  by  the  middle  of  November. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morris  have  insisted  upon  leaving  the 
two  large  looking  Glasses  which  are  in  their  best  Rooms, 
because  they  have  no  place  (they  say)  proper  to  re 
move  them  to,  and  because  they  are  unwilling  to 
hazzard  the  taking  of  them  down.  You  will  therefore 
let  them  have,  in  place  of  them,  the  choice  of  mine. 
The  large  ones  which  I  purchased  from  the  French 
Minister  they  do  not  incline  to  take ;  but  will  be  glad  of 
some  of  the  others.  They  also  will  leave  a  large  Glass 
lamp  in  the  entry  or  Hall,  and  will  take  one  or  more  of 
my  Glass  lamps  in  lieu  of  it.  In  disposing  of  the  Yards 
Mr  Morris  will  take  in  (to  the  House  he  removes  to; 
the  part  which  formerly  belonged  to  it.  I  mention 
this  that  you  may  not  be  surprised  at  the  attempt. 


8  LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Nothing  further  occurs  at  present.  Mrs.  Washington 
unites  with  me  in  good  wishes  for  Mrs.  Lear  and 
yourself  and  I  am, 

Sincerely  &  affectionately 
Yrs. 

No.  3. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Septr.  lyth.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

Having  received  no  letter  from  you  since  the  one 
dated  the  3d  Instant,  I  have  nothing  to  reply  to.  The 
motive  for  writing  to  you  at  this  time  is,  that  upon  un 
packing  the  china  ornaments  which  accompanied  the 
mirrors  for  the  Tables,  it  was  found  (notwithstanding 
they  were  in  Bran)  that  many  of  the  delicate  and  tender 
parts  were  broken ;  occasioned,  I  believe,  by  the  Bran 
not  being  put  in  and  settled  down  by  a  little  at  a  time. 
To  press  the  Bran  around  the  Images  (you  have  to  re 
move  with  the  platteaux)  will  not  answer ;  still  it  must 
be  so  compact  as  to  prevent  friction,  in  moving;  and 
this  can  only  be  done  by  putting  each  Image  or  figure 
in  a  separate  box,  with  Bran,  by  little  and  little, 
shaking  and  settling  it  by  degrees  as  it  is  added. 

By  a  letter  which  Major  Jackson  has  received  from 
General  Steward,  he  has  completed  his  removal,  &  Mr. 
Morris  had  begun  to  take  things  out  of  the  house  I  am 
to  have,  to  make  room  for  my  furniture,  but  as  Mr. 
Morris  was  desired,  so  I  am  persuaded  he  will  inform 
you  when  it  will  be  safe  and  proper  for  you  to  remove. 
The  sooner  I  think  it  can  be  done  the  better;  as  you 
will  be  able  to  make  such  arrangements,  and  provide 
such  conveniences  as  you  will  know  we  shall  want,  and 
which  (I  suppose)  through  the  channels  they  are  now 
making,  may  be  accomplished. 

We  have  resolved  to  take  one  of  my  Cooks  with  us, 
and  if  upon  examining  into  the  matter  it  shall  be  found 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  9 

convenient,  I  may  also  take  on  a  boy; — at  any  rate, 
there  will  be  no  occasion  for  Mrs.  Lewis  or  her  daughter ; 
for  a  Scullion  may  always  be  had  in  Philadelphia. 

In  one  of  my  former  letters  I  suggested  to  you  the 
propriety  of  knowing  decidedly  what  Mr.  Hyde's  views 
are  before  he  is  removed  from  New  York  at  my  expence, 
and  I  now  repeat  it : — first,  because  it  is  necessary  for 
me  to  be  placed  upon  a  certainty ; — and  secondly,  be 
cause  if  he  has  any  difficulties  or  doubts — or  has  it  in 
contemplation  to  talk  in  a  short  time  (which  is  but  too 
common  a  case)  of  increased  wages,  it  would  be  best 
to  separate  at  once,  as  well  for  these  reasons  as  the  one 
I  communicated  in  a  former  letter  and  because  I  fear 
his  Table  is  a  much  more  expensive  one  than  it  ought  to 
be.  But  as  this  is  conjecture  only,  I  will  not  charge 
him  with  it — tho'  I  think  the  short  duration  of  the 
first  Pipe  of  Pintard  wine,  is  a  pretty  evident  proof 
that  that  article  was  expended  more  expeditiously  than 
it  ever  was  in  Francis's  time.  How  it  has  been  with 
other  things  if  you  have  been  able  to  compare  the 
accts.  of  the  one  with  the  other,  you  must  be  the  best 
judge. 

We  arrived  safe  at  this  place  on  Saturday  last,  but 
not  without  one  upset  of  the  Charriot  and  Waggon — 
fortunately  neither  was  hurt.  We  all  unite  in  best 
wishes  for  you  and  Mrs.  Lear,  and  I  am  your  sincere 
friend  and  affectionate  Servant, 

Take  measure  either  by  yourself  or  through 
Colo.  Biddle  to  engage  Wood  in  season  &  whilst 
it  is  to  be  obtained  on  good  terms. 

No.  4. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Septr.  2oth.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  Servant  who  carried  my  letter  of  the  i  yth.  to  the 


io          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Post  office  in  Alexandria,  returned  with  yours  of  the 
1 2th.  which  shall  be  the  Subject  for  this  reply. 

What  ever  Ideas  or  remarks  may  have  been  excited 
by  my  going  into  Mr.  Morris's  house  I  know  not,  but 
this  I  am  sure  of,  that  to  do  it  was  farthest  from  my  ex 
pectations.  The  Corporation  of  the  City  (by  whom  it 
was  engaged)  made  attempts  it  seems  to  get  other 
places,  but  none  being  to  be  obtained  to  their  liking, 
Mr.  Morris's  was  offered,  and  accepted,  subject  to  my 
decision.  To  the  Academy  there  were  exceptions 
which  it  was  said  could  not  be  overcome.  To  Hunter's 
Houses  there  were  impediments.  The  Houses  of  Mrs. 
Allan  and  Mr.  Guirney  could  not  be  had  because  Mrs. 
Pollock  (tenant  in  the  latter)  would  not  relinquish  it, 
and  Mr.  or  Mrs.  Kepley's  was  found  not  to  answer. 
This,  I  was  told,  was  the  history  of  the  business. 

I  have  not  the  least  objection  to  Fida's  wife's  coming 
to  Philadelphia  in  the  vessel  with  the  other  servants; 
nor  to  her  continuing  in  the  family  afterwards,  if  she 
chuses  it  and  can  do  the  duties  of  her  station  tolerably, 
because  I  think  he  merits  indulgence  on  James'  account 
(who  I  also  think  is  a  very  good  servant)  I  consent  read 
ily,  if  it  was  his  expectation  &  wish  that  his  wife  may 
accompany  the  servants  in  the  manner  suggested  by 
you,  or  as  a  house  maid  if  she  is  thought  fit  for  it; — 
but  not  being  acquainted  with  the  views  of  the  parties 
(James  and  Wife  I  mean)  I  can  only  say  that  I  shall  be 
perfectly  satisfied  with  whatever  you  do  respecting  the 
matter.  As  I  do  not  believe  the  House  can  be  better 
supplied  with  Washer  women,  I  think  it  best  to  bring 
those  you  have ;  on  condition  that  I  shall  not  be  bur- 
thened  with  Fanny's  children  after  they  arrive.  Thus 
much  for  the  lower  Servants  and  their  connections. 

With  respect  to  Mr.  Hyde  and  his  wife,  if  the  duties 
of  the  family  are  too  much  for  both,  will  Mr.  Hyde 
alone  be  able  to  discharge  them?  If  she  quits,  will  not 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  n 

a  substitute  be  necessary?  In  that  case  or  in  case  Mr. 
Hyde  acts  alone,  does  he  expect  the  same  wages  as  are 
now  given  to  both?  If  it  is  not  stated  on  some  paper 
handed  in  by  Mr.  Hyde,  it  is  nevertheless  strong  in  my 
recollection,  that  his  wife's  services  were  stated  at  one, 
and  his  own  at  200  dollars  per  Annum.  I  have  no  wish 
to  part  with  Mr.  or  Mrs.  Hyde,  first  because  I  do  not 
like  to  be  changing ; — and  secondly  because  I  do  not 
know  where  or  with  whom  to  supply  their  places.  On 
the  score  of  the  accts.  I  can  say  nothing  never  having 
taken  a  comparative  view  of  his  and  Frauncis's,  but  I 
am  exceedingly  mistaken  if  the  expences  of  the  second 
Table  at  which  Mr.  Hyde  presides,  has  not  greatly  ex 
ceeded  that  kept  by  Frauncis ;  for  (but  in  this  I  may  be 
mistaken)  I  strongly  suspect  that  nothing  is  brought  to 
my  Table  of  liquors,  fruits  or  other  things  that  is  not 
used  as  profusely  at  his.  If  my  suspicions  are  un 
founded,  I  shall  be  sorry  for  having  entertained  them, 
and  if  they  are  not,  it  is  at  least  questionable,  whether 
his  successor  might  not  do  the  same  thing; — in  which 
case  (if  Hyde  is  honest  and  careful,  of  which  you  are 
better  able  to  judge  than  I  am)  a  change  without  a 
benefit  might  take  place,  and  is  not  desirable,  if  they 
are  to  be  retained  on  proper  terms.  I  say  they,  for  if 
Mrs.  Hyde  is  necessary  for  the  purposes  innumerated 
in  your  letter,  and  the  Cook  is  not  competent  to  the 
desert,  making  Cake,  &c.  I  do  not  see  what  use  Hyde, 
more  than  William,  would  be  without  her — nor  do  I 
see  why  she  should  execute  part  of  his  duties  and  there 
by  make  her  own  too  burthensome.  Francis,  besides 
being  an  excellent  Cook,  knowing  how  to  provide  gen 
teel  Dinners,  and  giving  aid  in  dressing  them,  pre 
pared  the  desert,  made  the  Cake,  and  did  every  thing 
that  Hyde  and  Wife  conjointly  do;  consequently,  the 
services  of  Hyde  alone,  are  not  to  be  compared  with 
those  of  Francis,  and  if  his  accts.  exceed  (in  the  same 


12          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

seasons)  those  of  Frauncis  4  or  £5  a  week  and  at  the 
same  time  appear  fair,  I  shall  have  no  scruple  to  ac 
knowledge  that  I  have  entertained  much  harder 
thoughts  of  the  latter  than  I  ought  to  have  done,  altho' 
it  is  inconceivable  to  me  how  other  families  on  25  hd. 
or  3000  dollars  should  be  enabled  to  entertain  more 
company,  at  least  more  frequently,  than  I  could  do 
for  twenty  five  thousand  dollars  annually. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  that  the  furniture  of  the  large 
drawing  Room,  especially  the  Glasses,  are  packed  in  a 
manner  which  you  think  secure.  With  respect  to  the 
Table  ornaments,  my  opinion  has  been  so  fully  given  on 
the  mode  of  putting  them  up,  that  I  shall  say  nothing 
further  on  the  subject  in  this  letter,  and  as  I  presume  a 
correspondence  has  been  opened  between  Mr.  Morris 
and  you,  I  have  no  doubt  of  your  embracing  the  proper 
moment  for  their  removal,  &  the  best  mode  of  accom 
plishing  it. 

Mr.  Macomb  may  in  reality  be  indifferent  as  to  the 
taking  the  House  off  your  hands — but  it  is  highly  prob 
able  he  will  assume  the  appearance  of  it,  in  order  to 
derive  an  advantage  in  the  terms,  therefore  as  I  shall 
have  to  pay  rent  for  it  until  May,  if  he  or  some  other 
does  not  take  it,  it  would  be  well  to  bring  him  to  some 
decision  at  once  or  advertise  the  renting  of  it,  and  the 
sale  of  the  buildings  I  have  put  up  at  the  same  time. 
You  will  make  better  terms  for  these  than  any  Agent 
that  will  be  left  behind  &  besides,  it  may  hasten  Mr. 
Macomb  (who  from  what  I  have  heard  I'm  sure  wants 
the  house)  by  alarming  his  fears,  that  others  may  step 
in.  To  receive  some  compensation  would  be  better 
than  to  sink  the  whole  rent  &  to  lose  the  buildings 
which  I  have  erected  on  the  lots.  If  there  is  no  like 
lihood  of  my  getting  a  tenant  for  the  house  you  are  in, 
would  not  Mr.  Macomb  be  glad  to  take  it  at  the  dif 
ference  which  disinterested  and  impartial  men  would 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  13 

fix  between  it  and  the  house  he  is  in  and  for  me  to  pay 
the  rent  of  the  latter  until  a  Tenant  for  it  could  be  ob 
tained?  This  would  be  a  step  gained  and  is  perhaps 
what  he  is  driving  at. 

With  respect  to  Dingwell  I  join  Colo.  Hamilton  & 
Mr.  Jefferson  in  opinion,  that  it  is  no  more  than  a 
catchpenny  plan, — yet,  for  the  reason  assigned  by 
Genl.  Knox,  I  think  twenty  or  thirty  dollars  may  be 
given  him,  professedly  for  his  trouble;  with  an  assur 
ance  that  it  is  believed  B has  meant  an  imposition 

on  him,  in  as  much  as  part  of  his  information  we  know 
is  unfounded,  &  am  sure  from  the  complexion  &  ex 
pression  of  some  of  the  letters,  pretended  to  be  re 
ceived  from  some  of  the  King  of  G.  B.'s  Ministers, 
that  they  are  spurious.  Yet,  nevertheless,  as  it  is 
supposed  that  he,  Dingwell,  meant  well,  and  has  been 
at  some  trouble  in  his  report,  this  sum  is  given 
expressly  on  those  accts. 

We  have  all  of  us  been  very  well  since  we  came  to 
this  place  and  all  join  in  best  wishes  for  you  and  Mrs. 
Lear. 

With  sincere  regard  &  affecn. 
I  am,  Yrs.  &ca. 


No.  5. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Septr.  27th.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you  (the  date  I  do  not  recollect, 
keeping  no  copies  of  my  letters  to  you)  I  have  reed. 
yours  of  the  i7th.&2oth.  Inst.  and  shall  answer  such 
parts  of  them  as  require  it. 

I  am  glad  to  find  that  the  house  according  to  Mr. 
Morris's  notification  to  you  will  be  ready  about  the 
time  you  had  made  arrangements  for  the  removal  of  my 
furniture,  the  mode  of  doing  which,  is,  I  am  persuaded, 


i4          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

the  cheapest  and  best.  How  have  you  disposed  (for 
safety)  of  the  Pagoda?  It  is  a  delicate  piece  of  stuff 
and  will  require  to  be  tenderly  handled. 

I  expected  that  Mr.  Macomb,  if  he  found  that  no 
other  person  was  disposed  to  take  the  house  off  my 
hands,  would  endeavor  to  impose  his  own  terms:  and 
allowing  me  only  £100  for  seven  months  use  of  it,  when 
the  rent  (independent  of  the  houses  I  put  on  the  lots) 
is  £400,  is  a  pretty  strong  evidence  of  it.  And  if  you 
do  not  take  some  measures  to  see  what  can  be  had  for 
the  Wash  house  and  Stable,  he  will  impose  his  own 
terms  there  also.  But  after  all,  we  are  in  his  power, 
and  he  must  do  as  he  pleases  with  us. 

As  the  Lustre  is  paid  for  &  securely  packed  up  and 
may  suit  the  largest  drawing  Room  at  Mr.  Morris's,  I 
do  not  incline  to  part  with  it ;  the  Franklin  Stoves  and 
other  fixtures,  if  they  cannot  be  disposed  of  without 
loss,  must  be  brought  round  with  the  other  furniture: 
we  may  find  use  for  them.  Such  things  as  are  freighted 
in  the  common  way  (if  the  vessel  you  desired  Colo. 
Biddle  to  procure  is  unable  to  carry  the  whole)  had 
better  be  of  the  kinds  which  require  least  care. 

The  sale  of  the  old  Charriot  was  proper,  for  although 
the  price  is  small  it  will  be  so  much  saved  for  the  public. 
If  much  worn  or  lumbering  articles  could  be  disposed 
of  to  any  tolerable  account,  might  it  not  be  better  to 
sell  them  at  New  York  &  buy  (if  necessary)  new  ones 
at  Philadelphia,  than  to  pay  freight  for  them  round? 

Mrs.  Morris  has  a  mangle  (I  think  they  are  called) 
for  Ironing  of  Clothes,  which,  as  it  is  fixed  in  the  place 
where  it  is  commonly  used,  she  proposed  to  leave  and 
take  mine.  To  this  I  have  no  objection  provided 
mine  is  equally  good  and  convenient;  but  if  I  should 
obtain  any  advantage,  besides  that  of  its  being  up,  and 
ready  for  use,  I  am  not  inclined  to  receive  it. 

Mrs.  Washington  and  all  of  this  family  unite  in  best 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  15 

wishes  for  you  and  Mrs.  Lear,  and  I  am  your  sincere 
friend  and 

Affectionate  Servant, 

No.  6. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  OCTR.  3d.  1790. 

Dear    Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  226..  Ulto.  came  safe.  I  wish  the 
information  given  by  Mr.  Danl.  Parker  to  Doctr.  Crai- 
gee  may  prove  true.  No  mention  of  such  event  is  in 
Morris's  letter  to  me,  but  the  date  is  prior  to  that  of  Mr. 
Parker's  by  six  days.  The  declaration  and  counter- 
declaration  of  the  Minister  of  Britain  and  Spain  are 
published  with  the  Communication  thereof  to  the  Lord 
Mayor  of  London ;  and  yet  it  seems  to  be  the  opinion  of 
some  of  the  Paragraphists,  that  the  matter  remains  un 
settled.  Further  information  (not  contained  in  the 
News  papers)  of  these  or  any  other  interesting  matters, 
you  would  do  well  to  give  me  the  earliest  intelligence  of. 
Mr.  Jefferson  being  from  New  York  will  more  than  prob 
able  delay  official  advices  through  the  Office  of  Foreign 
Affairs  longer  than  it  otherwise  would  be  in  coming  to 
me. 

I  request  after  you  get  to  Philadelphia  and  previous 
to  our  arrival  there,  that  you  would  use  your  best  en 
deavours  to  ascertain  the  characters  or  reputation  of 
such  schools  as  it  may  be  proper  to  place  Washington 
at,  so  soon  as  we  shall  be  fixed  in  our  new  habitation ; — 
particularly  if  there  be  any  fit  school  in  the  College 
for  him,  under  good  and  able  Tutors,  &  well  attended. 
His  trip  to  Mount  Vernon  will  be  of  no  service  to  him, 
but  will  render  restraint  more  necessary  than  ever.  If 
the  College  is  under  good  regulations,  and  have  proper 
tutors  there  for  boys  of  his  standing  to  prepare  them 
for  the  higher  branches  of  education,  quere,  whether  it 


1 6          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

would  not  be  better  to  place  him  in  it  at  once  ?  the  pre 
sumption  being  that  a  System  prevails,  by  which  the 
gradations  are  better  connected  than  they  are  in  Schools 
which  have  no  correspondence  with  each  other.  Mr. 
S —  is  a  man  of  acknowledged  abilities  but — it  may  not 
be  well  perhaps  to  say  more  in  a  letter,  especially  as 
his  re-instatement  may  have  given  rise  to  a  reform  of 
that  conduct  which  did  not  escape  censure  formerly. 

The  enclosed  letters  having  been  put  under  cover 
to  me,  will  of  course  occasion  delay  in  the  receipt  of 
them  by  you  &  Fidas.  In  all  your  communications 
respecting  the  Servants  no  mention  has  been  made  of 
John's  wife.  What  do  you  understand  to  be  her  plan? 
Enclosed  is  a  letter  from  him  to  her,  or  some  friend 
I  suppose  of  hers — and  another  from  James  to  his 
deltoboso. 

If  I  have  not  already  advised  you  of  it,  it  is  necessary 
now  to  do  so,  that  Mrs.  Stuart  has  paid  for  the  tickets 
you  purchased  for  her  and  Mrs.  Alexander  that  was. 

When  you  can  get  at  the  last  letter  or  letters  of  the 
Count  de  Estaing  to  me,  I  wish  you  would  send  me  a 
transcript  of  what  he  says,  or  whether  any  thing  of 
a  Bust  he  has  sent  me,  of  Mr.  Necker,  together  with  a 
number  of  Prints  of  that  Gentleman  and  the  Marquis 
de  la  Fayette,  which  are  come  to  my  hands  in  a  pack 
age  from  Baltimore. 

We  all  join  in  best  wishes  for  you  and  Mrs.  Lear  and 
I  am 

Your  sincere  friend 

And  affectionate  servt. 

No.  7. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  ioth.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  26th.  &  aoth.of  the  last  &  3d.  of 
the  present  month  have  come  duly  to  hand. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  17 

Without  entering  into  the  details,  I  can  assure  you 
that  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  steps  you  have 
taken  respecting  the  vessel  which  is  to  bring  the  furni 
ture  and  servants  to  Philadelphia — with  your  agree 
ment  with  Mr.  Macomb  &  whatever  you  shall  do  with 
the  houses  I  was  compelled  to  build  on  his  Lots — with 
your  conduct  towards  and  agreement  with  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hyde — and  with  your  -taking  the  carpeting  from 
Barry  and  Rogers,  although  it  arrived  much  after  the 
time  it  ought,  by  agreement,  to  have  been  delivered. 
As  Mr.  Macomb  will,  more  than  probable,  get  the  houses 
for  little  or  nothing,  you  acted  very  properly,  I  think, 
in  taking  down  the  closets,  partitions  and  fixtures, 
which  I  purchased  of  the  French  Minister,  and  which 
would  have  been  equally  convenient  to  him,  rather 
than  increase  his  gains  at  my  loss.  If  the  vessel  can 
bring  them,  they  can  unquestionably  be  made  useful 
in  our  intended  habitation — if  not,  they  will  probably 
fetch  something. 

The  easy  and  quiet  temper  of  Fanny  is  little  fitted  I 
find  for  the  care  of  my  niece  Harriot  Washington  who 
is  grown  almost,  if  not  quite  a  woman,  &  what  to  do 
with  her  at  the  advanced  size  she  is  arrived  at,  I  am 
really  at  a  loss.  Her  age  (just  turned  of  14)  is  not  too 
great  for  a  boarding  school,  but  to  enter  now  with  any 
tolerable  prospect,  the  Mistress  of  it  must  not  only  be 
respectable,  but  one  who  establishes  and  will  enforce 
good  rules.  She  is  prone  to  idleness,  and  having  been 
under  no  controul,  would  create  all  the  difficulty.  I  have 
formed  no  resolution  respecting  what  will  be  proper 
for  me  to  do  with  her,  but  that  I  may  the  better  judge, 
I  request  that  you  will  enquire  whether  there  be  a  prop 
er  School  (for  her  to  board  at)  in  Philadelphia.  If  so, 
whether  there  are  at  it  genteel  girls  of  her  size  &  age — 
who  the  mistress  of  it  is, — what  her  character — terms, 
&ca,  are — the  numbers  of  it — who  of  the  principal  fami- 


i8          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

lies,  and  how  they  are  entertained  and  accommodated? 
I  have  not  intimated  any  thing  of  this  matter  to  Har 
riot  yet,  who  if  it  should  be,  would  I  dare  say  be  a  good 
deal  alarmed,  as  she  had  I  dare  say  rather  mix  with 
other  company  than  be  in  a  boarding  school.  Among 
other  things  enquire  what  is  taught  at  these  schools. 
I  must  further  desire,  that  in  pursuing  your  enquiries 
after  a  School  for  Washington,  particularly  if  one  is  to 
be  found  in  the  College  at  Philadelphia  fit  for  him,  that 
you  would  extend  them  to  the  reputation  of  the  higher 
branches  in  that  Seminary,  &  whether  much  good  could 
be  expected  from  my  fixing  my  Nephews  George  & 
Lawrence  in  it.  From  what  I  can  find,  they  are  doing 
but  little  in  Alexandria,  having  left  the  study  of  the 
languages,  &  indeed  Mr.  McWhir,  &  are  learning  French 
&  the  Mathematics  under  a  Mr.  Harron.  George  & 
indeed  Lawrence,  I  am  told,  are  well  disposed  youths, 
— neither  of  them  wanting  capacity;  and  both,  es 
pecially  the  first,  very  desirous  of  improvement.  I 
would  wish  to  know  what  their  studies  and  board  would 
stand  them  annually — in  a  word,  the  best  estimate 
(exclusive  of  clothes)  of  the  expense  of  fixing  them  at 
that  place. 

As  I  have  had  no  account  yet  of  what  has  been  done, 
or  is  doing  to  our  new  habitation,  or  what  ideas  to  an 
nex  to  Mr.  Morris's  information  to  you  that  the  House 
would  not  be  ready  for  your  reception  before  the  loth, 
of  the  present  month,  I  should  be  glad  to  receive  a  full 
statement  of  these  matters  as  soon  as  you  arrive  at 
Philadelphia  &  have  time  to  look  into  things. 

We  all  join  in  best  wishes  for  you  &  Mrs.  Lear — and 
for  your — and  the  safe  arrival  of  everything  in 
Philadelphia. 

With   sincere  regard   and   affection 
I  am  Yrs. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  19 

No.  8 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  27th.  1790. 

Dear  Sir, 

On  Sunday  last  I  returned  from  a  twelve  days  ex 
cursion  up  the  Potomack,  and  found  your  letters  of 
the  6th.&  loth,  from  New  York  and  i4th.&  i7th.  from 
Philadelphia.  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that  you  are  all 
arrived  at  the  latter  place  safe,  and  the  furniture,  as 
you  conceive,  in  good  order.  It  was  very  right  to  give 
John's  wife  the  same  privilege  that  was  allowed  to 
others,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hyde's  coming  in  the  stage  is 
equally  agreeable  to  me. 

I  have  no  particular  directions  to  give  respecting 
the  appropriation  of  the  furniture.  By  means  of  the 
Bow  windows,  the  back  rooms  will  become  the  largest, 
and  of  course  will  receive  the  furniture  of  the  largest 
dining  and  drawing  Rooms,  and  in  that  case,  although 
there  is  no  closet  within  the  former,  there  are  some  in 
the  Steward's  room  directly  opposite,  which  are  not 
inconvenient;  or  (but  here  I  am  speaking  somewhat 
at  random,  not  knowing  to  what  use  it  has  hitherto 
been  applied)  there  is  a  small  room  adjoining  the  Kitch 
en  (by  the  Pump)  that  might,  if  it  is  not  essential  for 
other  purposes,  be  appropriated  for  the  Images,  save 
china,  and  other  things  of  this  sort,  which  are  not  in 
common  use.  Mrs.  Morris,  who  is  a  notable  lady  in 
family  arrangements,  can  give  you  much  information 
in  all  the  conveniences  about  the  house  and  buildings ; 
and  I  dare  say  would  rather  consider  it  as  a  Compli 
ment  to  be  consulted  in  these  matters  (as  she  is  so  near) 
than  a  trouble  to  give  her  opinion  of  them,  or  in  put- 
ing  up  any  of  the  fixtures,  as  the  house  is  theirs,  and 
will  revert  to  them,  with  the  advantages  or  disadvan 
tages  which  will  result  from  the  present  establishment 
of  things  i  I  am  very  glad  you  pressed  them  not  to 


so         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

incommode  themselves  by  an  inconvenient  remove — 
we  are  very  happy  to  hear  of  her  recovery  and  request 
you  to  present  our  Compliments  of  congratulation  to 
her  &  Mr.  Morris  on  the  occasion. 

I  am  very  anxious  to  have  the  rent  which  I  am  to 
pay  for  my  new  residence  ascertained  before  I  take  up 
my  quarters  in  it — you  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed 
answer  to  a  letter  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Morris  on  the  subject 
that  this  point  is  yet  unsettled.  Previous  to  my  ap 
plication  to  Mr.  Morris,  I  was  informed  by  the  Com 
mittee,  with  whom  I  had  conversed  on  the  subject, 
that  it  was  well  understood  I  was  to  pay  rent.  I 
have  therefore  to  request  that  you  will  get  the 
matter  fixed  in  some  way  or  other  with  them. 
A  just  value  I  am  willing  to  pay — more  I  have 
no  idea  will  be  asked,  but  my  fears  rather  are  that  they 
want  to  make  it  the  expence  of  some  public  body 
(which  I  shall  not  consent  to)  and  that  they  do  not 
care  to  avow  it. 

If  the  servants  can  be  conveniently  accommodated 
without  using  the  Stable  loft,  it  will  certainly  be  much 
the  best  &  safest;  for  I  am  certain  no  orders  given  to 
my  people  wd.  restrain  them  from  carrying  lights  if 
they  were  to  be  in  it  as  lodgers. 

I  send  you  a  letter  with  the  Bill  of  loading  for  wines 
shipped  by  Fenwick  Mason  &c.,  which  if  arrived  you 
will  give  the  necessary  orders  about.  By  return  of  the 
person  who  carries  this  and  other  letters  to  the  Post 
office  in  Alexandria,  I  expect  to  receive  accounts  of 
later  date  than  the  i7th.  from  you,  and  possibly  some 
thing  more  indicative  of  Peace  or  War  between  Spain 
&  England  which  has  hung  long  in  suspence. 

Our  best  wishes  attend  you  and  Mrs.    Lear,  and 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  affectionate  friend 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  21 

No.  9. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  3ist.  1790. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  reed,  your  letter  of  the  24th.  since  the  date 
of  my  last  to  you,  and  am  very  glad  to  hear  that  the 
most  valuable  parts  of  the  furniture  have  borne  their 
transportation  without  receiving  damage,  and  that 
your  expectation  of  equal  success  respecting  the  re 
mainder  is  sanguine.  I  am  pained,  however,  to  find 
there  is  a  doubt  that  the  house  will  not  be  completely 
finished  and  ready  for  our  reception  towards  the  latter 
end  of  next  month.  At  all  times  this  would  be  at 
tended  with  inconvenience,  but  at  that  season  and 
while  Congress  are  in  session,  it  would  be  exceeding  so. 
As  the  Pagoda  can  be  put  up  in  half  an  hour,  at  any 
time,  it  may  (if  not  already  disposed  of)  remain  un 
fixed,  until  we  arrive,  and  that  I  may  be  in  Philadel 
phia  in  time,  it  is  my  present  intention  to  leave  this 
place  on  Monday,  the  22d.  of  next  month.  I  could  not 
clearly  understand  Colo.  Van  Home  when  I  applied  to 
him  (as  I  came  through  Baltimore)  for  a  proper  and 
convenient  Stage  Coach  for  part  of  the  family  to  return 
in.  He  said  he  could  provide  and  would  provide  and  so 
on,  but  although  he  wanted  to  convey  the  idea  of  a  cer 
tain  reliance  on  him  it  did  not  appear  clear  to  me,  that 
I  could  rely  on  him  for  more  than  the  common  Stage 
Coach  or  Waggon ; — this  being  the  case,  and  the  Driver 
who  brought  us  hither  being  desirous  of  coming  for  us 
again,  adding  that  he  could  always  get  a  freight  to 
Alexandria,  induces  me  to  request  that  you  would,  as 
his  was  a  large  and  roomy  close  coach,  his  horses  good 
&  himself  a  careful  driver,  make  enquiry  (without  en 
tering  into  an  engagement  with  the  proprietor)  wheth 
er  the  same  Coach,  horses  &  man  could  be  had,  and 
whether  he  would  positively  engage  to  be  here  on  the 


22          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

2oth.  or  2 1 st.  of  Novr.  if  after  hearing  from  you,  I 
should  request  it.  The  terms  on  which  he  would  come 
must  be  explicity  defined,  that  I  may,  without  delay, 
return  a  precise  answer.  You  will  readily  perceive 
that  I  do  not  mean  to  place  my  sole  dependence  upon 
this  Stage.  No :  I  shall  by  this  conveyance  also  write 
to  Colo.  Van  Home  to  know  what  absolute  dependence 
may  be  placed  on  him.  Thus  having  two  Strings  to 
my  bow  I  may  chuse  the  one  which  promises  best. 
You  will  readily  perceive  also  that  there  is  no  time  to 
spare  in  my  hearing  from  you — you  from  me — and  for 
the  Coach  to  be  here  in  time.  Colo.  Biddle  can  point 
you  to  the  man,  who  ought  to  know  that  his  terms 
should  be  moderate,  because  Colo.  Van  Home's  (as 
Horses  will  go  from  Stage  to  Stage  only)  must  be  lower 
than  the  last  Trip  cost  me. 

I  should  conceive  that  a  wreath  round  the  crests 
that  will  be  on  the  pannels  of  the  Coach  would  be  more 
correspondent  with  the  Seasons  which  will  remain 
thereon,  than  the  motto.  And  that  the  motto  on  such 
of  the  Plates  as  require  it,  upon  the  Harness,  would  be 
best; — but  as  this  is  mere  matter  of  opinion,  unac 
companied  with  a  view  of  the  work,  I  am  so  far  from 
being  tenacious  of  it,  that  I  shall  leave  it  to  you  and 
him  (Clarke)  to  adopt  which  of  the  two  shall  appear 
best,  when  the  whole  is  taken  into  one  view.  What 
appearance  does  the  Coach  assume  at  present? — and 
how  will  it  look  when  finished  ? 

Are  Mrs.  Brodeau's  terms,  such  as  do  actually  exist, 
or  does  she  mean  to  avail  herself  of  the  occasion  to  com 
mence  a  new  era  in  them?  They  (especially  the  Board) 
appear  to  be  high.  Pray  without  giving  any  expec 
tation  of  Harriot  to  either,  for  I  have  decided  nothing 
respecting  her, — know  what  are  Mrs.  Pine's  terms. 
Mrs.  Brodeau  was  I  understand  once  of  Mr.  Morris's 
family;  this,  may  occasion  a  predilection  in  that  quar- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  23 

ter.  Mrs.  Pine's  standing  in  that  way  not  being  long, 
little  may  be  said  of  her  on  that  account,  but  she  may 
be  equally  capable  &  possibly  more  respectable  than 
the  other. 

Let  me  know  what  answer  was  given  to,  or  notice 
taken  of,  the  Extract  you  have  sent  me,  from  the  letter 
of  Count  de  Estaing  when  he  was  written  to  on  the  sub 
ject.  I  fear  I  might  not  have  been  sufficiently  polite 
&  thankful  for  his  present, — as  the  thing  itself  has  en 
tirely  escaped  me, — &  the  box  with  the  prints  scarcely 
brought  any  recollection  of  the  circumstance  to  my 
mind. 

I  have  heard  nothing  yet  of  Capt.  Vance,  but  am 
glad  you  sent  the  sugar.  By  mistake  a  letter  from 
James  Tilghman,  Esqr.  respecting  a  legacy  to  Miss 
Anderson  from  Colo.  Colvill,  was  enclosed  to  you  in  my 
last,  which  I  desire  may  be  returned  in  your  next, 
after  the  receipt  of  this,  as  I  shall  want  to  answer, 
even  if  I  cannot  comply  with  it. 

As  we  shall  have  new  connections  to  form  with  dif 
ferent  Tradesmen,  find  out  those  in  each  branch  who 
stand  highest  for  skill  and  fair  dealing.  'Tis  better  to 
be  slow  in  chusing  than  to  be  under  the  necessity  of 
changing — and  that  it  may  be  done  upon  sure  grounds, 
compare  one  acct.  with  another  (for  partialities,  per 
haps  less  laudable  motives,  mix  very  much  in  all  these 
things),  and  see  where  the  preponderancy  is. 

We  all  join  in  best  wishes  for  you  and  Mrs.  Lear  & 
with  affectionate  regard  I  am 

Your  sincere  friend 


No.   10. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Novr.  yth.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  28th.  and  3ist.  ulto.  are  now  be- 


24          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

fore  me,  and  the  parts  of  them  wch.  require  it  shall  be 
answered. 

If  the  Schools  in  the  College  are  tinder  good  masters, 
and  as  fit  for  boys  of  Washington's  standing  as  a  private 
School,  I  am  still  of  opinion  (for  the  reasons  mentioned 
in  a  former  letter)  that  he  had  better  be  placed  there  in 
the  first  instance.  The  propriety  however  of  this  will 
depend,  ist.  upon  the  character  &  ability  of  the  master, 
under  whose  tuition  he  will  be — 2d.,  upon  the  police 
&  discipline  of  the  School — and  sdly.,  upon  the  num 
ber  of  boys, — for  I  lay  it  down  as  a  maxim,  that  if  the 
number  of  the  pupils  is  too  great  for  the  tutors,  justice 
cannot  be  done,  be  the  abilities  of  the  latter  what  they 
will.  What  the  due  proportion  beyond  which  it  ought 
not  to  go,  is  in  some  measure  matter  of  opinion,  but  an 
extreme  must  be  obvious  to  all,  and  you  will  easily  de 
cide  upon  it,  in  your  own  mind,  if  nothing  should  be 
finally  resolved  upon  by  me  previous  to  my  arrival. 

Enclosed  I  send  you  a  letter  from  Mr.  Gouvr.  Morris 
with  the  Bill  of  Cost  of  the  articles  he  was  to  send  me. 
The  prices  of  the  plated  ware  exceed — far  exceed  the 
utmost  bounds  of  my  calculations;  but  as  I  am  per 
suaded  he  has  done  what  he  conceives  right,  I  am  sat 
isfied  and  request  you  to  make  immediate  payment  to 
Mr.  Constable  if  you  can  raise  the  means, — the  duties 
are  also  to  be  paid.  You  will  see  by  the  enclosed  (left 
open  for  your  perusal)  that  I  have  promised  this. 
Ought  not  the  sum  remitted  by  Colo.  Humphreys  to 
Mr.  Morris  to  be  deducted?  Make  this  without  creat 
ing  any  difficulty,  the  subject  of  arrangement  with 
Mr.  Constable.  As  these  coolers  are  designed  for  warm 
weather,  &  will  be,  I  presume,  useless  in  cold,  or  in  that 
which  the  liquors  do  not  require  cooling, — quere, 
would  not  a  stand  like  that  for  Castors,  with  four  aper 
tures  for  as  many  different  kinds  of  liquors,  just  suffi 
cient  (each  aperture)  to  hold  one  of  the  cut  decanters 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  25 

sent  by  Mr.  Morris,  be  more  convenient  for  passing  the 
bottles  from  one  to  another,  than  handing  each  bottle 
separately,  by  which  it  often  happens  that  one  bottle 
moves,  another  stops,  &  all  are  in  confusion?  Two  of 
these,  one  for  each  end  of  the  table,  with  a  flat  bottom, 
with  or  without  feet  (to  prevent  tilting),  open  at  the 
sides  but  with  a  raised  rim  as  Castors  have  and  an  up 
right,  by  way  of  handle  in  the  middle,  could  not  cost 
a  great  deal  were  they  made  wholy  of  Silver.  Talk  to 
a  Silver  Smith  and  know  the  cost — and  whether  they 
could  be  immediately  made — if  required  in  a  handsome 
fashion.  Perhaps  the  Coolers  sent  by  Mr.  Morris  may 
afford  Ideas  of  taste;  perhaps  too  (if  they  are  not  too 
heavy  when  examined)  they  may  supercede  the  ne 
cessity  of  such  as  I  have  described,  by  answering  the 
purpose  themselves.  Four  double  flint  glasses  (such  as 
I  expect  Mr.  Morris  has  sent)  will  weigh  I  conjecture  four 
pounds ;  the  wine  in  them  when  full  will  be  8  Ibs.  more. 
These  added  to  the  weight  of  the  Coolers  will,  I  fear, 
make  these  latter  too  unwieldy  to  pass,  especially  by 
ladies,  which  induced  me  to  think  of  a  frame  in  the 
form  of  Castors — which,  by  being  open  at  bottom, 
would  save  silver. 

I  approve,  at  least  till  inconvenience  or  danger  shall 
appear,  of  the  large  Table  ornaments  (images)  remain 
ing  on  the  side  boards,  and  of  the  Pagoda's  standing 
in  the  smallest  drawing  Room,  as  you  may  have  fixed 
it.  Had  I  delivered  any  sentiment  from  here  respect 
ing  the  fixture,  that  is  the  apartment  I  should  have 
named  for  it.  Whether  the  green  which  you  have, — 
or  a  new  yellow  Curtain,  should  be  appropriated  to  the 
Stair  Case  above  the  Hall,  may  depend  upon  your 
getting  an  exact  match  in  colour  &c.  of  the  latter. 
For  the  sake  of  appearances  one  would  not,  in  instances 
of  this  sort,  regard  a  small  additional  expense. 

If  the  servants  can  be  accommodated  without  the 


26          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

rooms,  which  were  intended  for  them  at  the  end  of  the 
Hall,  the  use  you  propose  to  put  them  to,  is  certainly 
a  good  one  But  what  is  to  become  of  Fidas  and  James's 
Wives  ?  Is  it  not  their  wishes  to  have  their  wives  (if  they 
incline  to  act  as  house  maids)  with  them?  And  will 
not  the  contrary  be  a  foundation  for  the  loss  of  their 
husbands  ? 

I  hope  my  Study  (that  is  to  be)  will  be  in  readiness 
against  I  arrive.  And  if  the  rubbish  and  other  litter 
occasioned  by  the  People  of  Mortar  &  the  Carpenters 
is  at  a  Stand, — I  wish  that  every  thing  of  the  sort  may 
be  removed,  and  the  yard  made  and  kept  as  clean  as 
the  Parlour.  That  was  always  the  case  in  Mr.  Morris's 
time,  and  has  become  more  essential  now  as  the  best 
Rooms  are  now  back,  and  an  uninterrupted  view  from 
them  into  the  yard  and  kitchen  which  is  nearly  upon  a 
level  with  the  dining  Room. 

I  am  really  sorry  on  public  as  well  as  private  accounts 
— to  hear  of  Mr.  Hare's  loss.  You  would  do  well  to 
lay  in  a  pretty  good  stock  of  his, — or  some  other  Porter. 
As  Mrs.  Washington  writes  to  Mrs.  Lear,  I  shall  add 
my  best  wishes  to  her  only  &  affectionate  regards  to 
you — being 

Your  sincere  friend 

No.  n. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Novr.  loth.  1790. 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  4th.  with  a  Postscript  of  the  5th., 
came  to  my  hands  this  moment  that  is  on  9  o'clock  on 
Wednesday  night, — and  this  ansr.,  if  the  bearer  of  it 
obeys  my  orders  will  go  off  for  Alexandria  before  day  in 
the  morning.  The  intention  of  it  is  to  desire  that  Page's 
Coach,  Horses  &  driver,  may  be  at  this  place  in  time  for 
me  to  commence  my  journey  for  Philadelphia  on  Mon- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  27 

day  the  226..  of  this  month.  He  will  be  allowed  six  days 
(which  is  one  more  than  it  will  take  him  to  come)  pre 
vious  to  that  day — and  as  many  days  after  (the  22d. 
included)  as  I  shall  be  on  the  road.  I  now  depend 
upon  the  conveyance — &  shall  only  add  in  this  letter 
that  I  am  your  friend  and — 

Affectionate  Servt. 

No.  12. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Novr.  i2th.  1790. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  am  about  to  write  you  another  short  letter  for  to 
morrow's  post, — although,  in  the  course  of  the  Mail, 
it  cannot  reach  you  before  Tuesday  night.  The  in 
tention  of  it  is,  to  inform  you  again  that  I  depend  upon 
Page's  Coach,  Horses  and  driver, — for  the  removal 
of  the  children  &ca.,  to  Philadelphia,  and  that  I  shall 
not,  unless  I  hear  something  to  the  contrary,  from  you, 
make  any  other  provision  for  the  journey.  The  reason 
for  my  again  writing  on  this  subject  is  that  Giles  who 
was  sent  from  this  on  Wednesday,  and  directed  if  the 
stage  had  left  Alexandria,  to  pursue  it  to  George  Town, 
and  to  have  my  letter  to  you  deposited  in  the  mail,  in 
stead  of  doing  it  gave  the  letter  to  one  of  the  passengers 
a  man  he  did  not  know — one  who  had  so  comical  a 
name  that  he  does  not  recollect  it,  tho'  told — but  who 
knew  me — knew  you — knew  Major  Jackson — and  who 
was  so  anxious  to  oblige  that  he  all  but  demanded  the 
letter  from  him.  The  case  being  thus  and  knowing 
how  little  dependence  there  is  upon  conveyances  by 
private  hands  is  the  inducement  of  this  second  Epistle 
— and  for  my  desiring  you  to  inform  me  by  the  first 
Post — what  I  have  to  depend  upon — for  the  mail  re 
turning  will  (if  it  leaves  Philadelphia  on  Wednesday) 
be  in  Alexandria  before  Page's  Coach,  admitting  my 


28          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

first  letter  met  with  no  delay.    I  shall  add  no  more  at 
this  time — the  house  being  full  of  Company — than  our 
best  wishes  to  you  &  Mrs.  Lear — and  that 
I  am  Yr.  Affecte. 

No.  13. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Novr.  i4th.  1790. 

(Private) 

Dear  Sir, 

Having  wrote  two  letters  to  you  on  the  subject  of 
Page's  stage  coach  (one  or  the  other  of  which  if  not 
both,  it  is  presumable  will  certainly  have  got  to  hand 
before  this  can)  I  shall  add  no  more  thereto,  than  that 
the  Coach  of  Page  is  now  my  dependence. 

I  am,  I  must  confess,  exceedingly  unwilling  to  go 
into  a  house  without  first  knowing  on  what  terms  I  do 
it,  and  wish  that  this  sentiment  could,  in  a  delicate 
way,  be  again  hinted  to  the  parties  concerned  with  me. 
I  cannot,  if  there  are  no  latent  motives  which  govern 
in  the  case,  see  any  difficulty  in  the  business.  Mr. 
Morris  has  most  assuredly  formed  an  idea  of  what 
ought — in  equity — to  be  the  rent,  of  the  tenement  in 
the  condition  he  left  it;  and  with  this  aid  the  Comee., 
I  conceive,  ought  to  be  as  little  at  a  loss  in  determining 
on  the  terms  it  should  rent  for,  with  the  additions  and 
alterations  which  are  about  to  be  made, — presumably 
in  a  plain  and  neat  manner, — not  by  any  means  in  an 
extravagant  style;  because  the  latter  is  not  only  con 
trary  to  my  wishes,  but  would,  in  reality,  be  repug 
nant  to  my  interest  and  convenience; — principally, 
because  it  would  be  the  means  of  keeping  me  from  the 
use  and  comforts  of  the  house  to  a  later  day ;  and  be 
cause  the  furniture  &  every  thing  else  would  require  to 
be  accordant  therewith, — besides  its  making  me  pay 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  29 

an  extravagant  price  perhaps  to  suit  the  taste  of  others 
— to  comply  with  unreasonable  charges  of  the  work 
men — or  to  be  taxed  with  the  blended  expences  of  the 
two  houses  (if  they  some  times  work  at  one  and  some 
times  at  the  other).  I  do  not  know,  nor  do  I  believe 
that  any  thing  unfair  is  intended  by  either  Mr.  Morris 
or  the  Committee ; — but  let  us  for  a  moment  suppose 
that  the  Rooms  (the  new  ones  I  mean)  should  be  hung 
with  tapestry — or  a  very  rich  &  costly  paper  (neither 
of  wch.  would  suit  my  present  furniture — that  costly 
ornaments  for  the  bow  windows — extravagant  chim 
ney  pieces,  &c.  &c. — were  to  be  provided — that  work 
men  were  to  charge  a  pound  for  that  which  ought  not 
to  cost  ten  Shillings; — and  that  advantage  would  be 
taken  of  the  occasion  to  new  paint  every  part  of  the 
house — buildings  &c.,  would  there  be  any  propriety  in 
adding  ten  or  12  J  P  Cent  for  all  these  to  the  Rent  of 
the  House  in  its  original  state,  for  the  two  years  that 
I  am  to  hold  it?  If  the  solution  of  these  questions  are 
in  the  negative,  wherein  lyes  the  difficulty  of  determin 
ing  that  the  Houses  and  lots,  when  completed  agree 
ably  to  the  plan  proposed,  ought  to  Rent  for  so  much? 
After  all  is  done  that  can  be  done  the  residence  will  not 
be  so  commodious  as  the  house  I  left  in  New  York  (with 
the  buildings  I  added)  for  there  (and  the  want  of  it  at 
Mr  Morris's  will  found  a  serious  inconvenience)  my 
office  was  in  a  front  Room  below,  where  persons  on 
business  immediately  entered;  whereas  in  the  present 
case  they  will  have  to  ascend  two  pair  of  Stairs,  and  to 
pass  by  the  public  rooms,  as  well  as  private  Chambers, 
to  get  to  it; — notwithstanding  which  I  am  willing  to 
allow  as  much  as  was  paid  by  Mr.  Macomb,  &  shall  say 
nothing  if  more  is  demanded — unless  there  is  apparent 
extortion ;  and  that  the  policy  of  delay  is  to  see  to 
what  height  Rents  will  lun  before  mine  is  fixed.  In 
either  of  these  cases  I  should  not  be  pleased ; — and  to 


3o          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

occupy  the  premises  at  the  expence  of  any  public  body— 
I  will  not.  There  is  one  expression  in  your  letter  of  the 
4th.  the  meaning  of  which  is  somewhat  doubtful, — 
viz. — "The  additions  repairs  &c.  of  the  house  in 
"which  Mr.  Morris  now  lives  are  likewise  to  be  com- 
"prehended  in  the  expenditures,  to  be  refunded  by  the 
" rent  in  this  house. "  Is  it  meant  by  this  that  the  rent 
of  the  House  I  am  to  go  into  is  to  be  increased  by  the 
expenditures  on  the  one  Mr.  Morris  has  removed  to, 
or,  that  the  rent  of  the  first  is  to  be  considered  as  se 
curity  only  for  payment  of  the  latter?  If  this  is  all  I 
have  naught  to  say  against  it, — but  dire  necessity  only 
would  induce  me  to  submit  to  the  other.  We  all  unite 
in  best  wishes  for  you  &  Mrs.  Lear — and 

I  am  Your  Sincere  and  Affecte.  friend 

No.  14. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Novr.  i7th.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  am  just  setting  off  for  Alexandria — bad  as  the  day 
is — to  a  dinner  given  by  the  Citizens  of  that  place  to 
me ; — and  hope  by  the  mail  of  this  evening  to  be  placed 
upon  some  certainty  with  respect  to  Page's  Stage 
Coach,  and  that  my  Journey  to  Philadelphia  may,  as 
was  intended,  commence  on  Monday  next  the  226.. 

Upon  examining  the  Caps  of  Giles  and  Paris  I  find 
they  (especially  Paris 's)  are  much  worn,  and  will  be  un 
fit  to  appear  in  with  decency,  after  the  journey  from 
hence  is  performed,  I  therefore  request  that  you  will 
have  two  handsome  ones  made,  with  fuller  and  richer 
tassels  at  top  than  the  old  ones  have.  That  the  maker 
of  them  may  have  some  government  in  the  size  the  en 
closed  dimentions  of  their  heads,  will  I  presume  be 
sufficient.  As  the  addition  of  a  pair  of  leading  Harness 
to  the  Coach  will  not  greatly  enhance  the  aggregate  cost 
I  wish,  in  order  that  the  whole  may  be  of  a  piece,  that 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  31 

you  would  order  Clarke  to  make  a  sett  for  the  two  lead 
ers  (with  a  Postillion  Saddle,  the  Saddle  cloth  of  which 
to  be  the  same  as  the  Hammel  Cloth  with  the  same 
lace)  that  I  may  have  Harness  alike  for  Six  Horses 
when  the  Coach  is  used — with  that  number. 
I  am  Yr.  Affecte. 


No.  15. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Novr.  22nd.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  day  is  come,  and  the  hour  at  hand,  or  very 
nearly — when  our  journey  will  Commence  for  Phila 
delphia.  From  the  Stage  drivers  account,  the  Roads 
in  places,  especially  between  George  Town  and  Balti 
more,  are  almost  unpassible.  This  circumstance,  and 
the  desire  of  not  injuring  my  horses,  will  make  my 
movements  very  slow, — and  they  may  be  precarious 
as  Giles  is  very  unwell, — and  my  bungling  Smith,  has 
lamed  one  of  the  Horses  that  draw  the  Waggon  in 
shoeing  him. 

I  think  Mr.  Page  judged  very  wisely  in  not  sending 
his  new  Coach  for  me.  I  thank  him  for  offering  to 
send  it  to  meet  me,  at  Chester,  but  as  it  is  my  wish  & 
intention  to  enter  the  City  without  any  Parade  or  no 
tice,  the  old  Coach  will  answer  the  purposes  of  the  New 
One. 

Austin  and  Hercules  go  on  in  this  day's  Stage,  and 
will  unquestionably  arrive  several  days  before  us. 
Richmond  and  Christopher  embarked  Yesterday  by 
Water, — the  former  (not  from  his  appearance  or  merits 
I  fear, — but  because  he  was  the  son  of  Hercules  and 
his  desire  to  have  him  as  an  assistant)  comes  as  a 
scullion  for  the  kitchen. 

Your  mare  shall  receive  the  same  usage,  care,  &  at 
tention,  that  my  Brood  Mares  do;  and  you  are  very 


32          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

welcome  to  the  Jack.  She  may  remain  yours  or  be 
mine  at  your  own  price,  as  is  most  agreeable  to  your 
self. 

I  fear  from  the  accts.  you  have  transmitted  of  the 
state  of  the  buildings  &  repairs  of  the  House  I  am  to 
occupy,  that  I  shall  be  exceedingly  incommoded.  I 
shall  have  twelve  horses  with  me,  if  nothing  therefore 
is  done  to  the  Stables,  Hiltzimer's  must  be  engaged 
for  such  as  cannot  stand  in  my  own.  I  have  only  time 
to  adjoin  best  wishes — and  that  I  am 
Yr.  Affecte. 


No.  16. 

SPURRIER'S,  Novr.  23d.  1790. 

Dear  Sir, 

With  some  difficulty  (from  the  most  infamous  Roads 
that  ever  were  seen)  we  have  got  to  this  place,  and  are 
waiting  dinner;  but  have  no  expectation  of  reaching 
Baltimore  to  night. 

Dunn  has  given  such  proofs  of  his  want  of  skill  in 
driving  that  I  find  myself  under  a  necessity  of  looking 
out  for  another  Coachman.  Before  we  got  to  Eliza 
beth  Town  we  were  obliged  to  take  him  from  the  Coach 
and  put  him  to  the  Waggon.  This  he  turned  over 
twice; — and  this  morning  was  found  much  intoxicated. 
He  has  also  got  the  horses  into  a  habit  of  s toping. 

Mrs.  Washington's  predilection  for  Jacob  is  as  strong 
as  my  prejudice  and  fears  are  great.  Yet  in  your  en 
quiries  after  a  Coachman,  ask  something  concerning 
Jacob.  He  wanted  much  it  seems  to  return  to  us 
whilst  we  were  in  Philadelphia. 

The  stage  is  this  instant  starting  &  I  can  only  add — 
that  I  am  Yrs. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  33 

No.  17. 

BLADENSBURG,  March  27th.  1791, 
Dear  Sir, 

My  attention  was  so  much  occupied  the  days  pre- 
ceeding  my  departure  from  Philadelphia,  with  matters 
of  a  public  nature,  that  I  could  scarcely  think  of  those 
which  more  immediately  related  to  my  own. 

Who  the  Steward  and  house  keeper  shall  be,  must 
be  left  to  Mrs.  Washington  and  yourself  to  determine 
from  circumstances,  &  the  offers  that  are  made.  Fran 
cis,  unless  Holker's  man  could  be  unexceptionably 
obtained,  I  should  prefer  for  reasons  I  have  already 
mentioned  to  you; — but  be  him  or  \them  whom  they 
may,  it  must  be  expressly  understood,  that  wine  is  not 
admissable  at  their  Table.  If  it  is  so  under  any  pre 
tence  whatever,  it  will  terminate  as  the  permission 
given  Hyde  has  done.  It  would  be  well  in  all  other 
respects  to  have  a  clear  definition  of  the  expectations 
and  obligations  of  the  Parties,  that  mistakes  may  not 
happen.  If  Frauncis  should  be  employed,  it  ought  to 
be  made  known  to  him  that  his  services  in  the  kitchen 
as  usual,  will  be  expected,  &  that  in  case  of  the  present 
Cook's  leaving  me,  or  attempting  to  raise  his  wages; 
— that  he  is  to  do  with  Hercules  &  such  under  aids  as 
shall  be  found  indispensably  necessary,  nay,  further, 
that  if  upon  trial  he  finds,  as  I  am  sure  is  the  case,  that 
we  can  do  without  Vicars,  he  may  be  discharged.  How 
far,  under  present  circumstances,  the  dutch  Girl  in  the 
Kitchen,  is  necessary,  you  must  Judge  of,  and  act  ac 
cordingly.  As  Jacob's  wife  is  brought  into  the  family, 
the  new  Landry  women  will  go  out  of  Course. 

I  wish  you  would  have  all  the  packages  moved  out 
of  the  Garden  and  have  it  kept  in  complete  order,  at  my 
expence  and  the  paved  yard,  also : — Rhemer  and  Jacob 
are  certainly  competent  to  this  business.  The  top  of 
One  of  the  Urns  in  the  Garden  was  broke  off  by  its  fall- 


34 


LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 


ing.     I  made  John  Mauls  carry  it  to  Mr.  Hyde,  let  it 
be  cemented  on  again. 

Furnish  Mrs.  Washington  with  what  money  she  may 
want — and  from  time — to  time — ask  her  if  she  does  want, 
as  she  is  not  fond  of  applying  As  I  write  in  haste,  I 
shall  no  more  at  this  time  but  my  best  wishes  for  Mrs. 
Lear  &c.  For  the  history  of  our  travels  and  adventures 
so  far  I  refer  to  a  letter  I  wrote  to  Mrs.  Washington, — 
from  Anapolis  Yesterday.  I  am  Your  Sincere  and 

Affectionate  friend 


No.  18. 

GEORGE  TOWN,  MARCH  28th.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Late  this  afternoon  your  letters  of  the  2^d.&  24th. 
instant  came  to  hand,  and  as  the  Mail  is  about  to  be 
closed  (leaving  this  before  Sun-rise  in  the  morning)  I 
shall,  as  I  must,  be  short. 

I  return  some  letters  to  be  filed: — one  from  Colo. 
Elaine  to  be  given  to  Genl.  Knox,  to  be  acted  upon  as 
he  pleases; — he  is  as  well  acquainted  with  the  man  as 
I  am,  and  knows  the  want  of  such  a  character  better 
than  I  do; — another  letter  from  Colo.  Cannon  which  I 
may  venture  to  say  proves  him  to  be,  what  I  will  not 
call  him,  and  that  I  need  never  look  for  any  Rent  from 
him.  I  pray  you  to  say  to  him,  if  he  does  come  to  Phil 
adelphia  during  my  absence — that  his  own  statement 
given  at  New  York — does  not  justify  his  prest.  report 
— and  that  I  am  too  well  acquainted  with  the  prices  of 
grain  &  the  demand  for  it  last  year  in  his  own  neigh 
bourhood,  to  be  imposed  upon  by  such  a  tale  as  his  let 
ter  exhibits.  In  a  word  that  I  am  by  no  means  satis 
fied  with  his  treatment  of  me; — for  sure  I  am  I  shall 
get  nothing  from  him  but  assurances  of  improvements, 
whilst  he  is  either  applying  my  rents  to  his  own  use,  or 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  35 

suffering  the  Servants  to  go  free  from  the  payment  of 
them. 

One  of  the  Pads  of  the  Waggon  harness,  it  seems, 
was  left  at  Mr.  Clark's :  send  it  by  the  Stage  to  Alexan 
dria; — if  it  comes  too  late  the  matter  will  not  be  great. 
I  am  not  able  to  say  yet  how  long  I  shall  be  detained 
at  this  place  where  I  arrived  before  breakfast  this 
morning. 

I  am  Yr.  Affecte. 

P.  S. 

I  send  with  my  best  remembrance,  a  Sermon  for  Mrs. 
Wn.  I  presume  it  is  good  coming  all  the  way 
from  New  Hampshire,  but  do  not  vouch  for  it — not 
having  read  a  word  of  it .  It  was  one  of  your  enclosures . 

No.   19. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  April  3d.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you  from  George  Town,  I  have  I 
believe  reed,  your  letters  of  the  23d.  24th.  and  27th. 
Ult. 

Whether  a  certain  Gentleman  is  the  man  I  con 
ceived  him  to  be,  or  such  a  one  as  is  hinted  at  in  the 
letter  you  enclosed  me,  is  not  yet  certain,  but  admit 
ting  the  latter  it  is  too  late  to  look  back.  I  cannot  be 
in  a  less  productive  situation  by  the  engagement  than 
I  was ;  the  principal  disadvantage  resulting  from  it  will 
be,  that  I  can  never  count  upon  the  payments  until 
they  are  actually  made, — consequently  can  never 
speculate  upon  the  money  which  I  wished  to  have 
done.  If  I  recollect  rightly  there  is  something  in  Colo. 
Cannon's  letter  (transmitted  to  you)  concerning  the 
Kanh^wa  Lands;  it  it  is  indicative  ot  an  intention  to 
let  them,  or  that  he  conceives  himself  empowered  to  do 
it —  I  desire  you  will  inform  him  of  the  sale  ot  them. 


36          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

You  did  well  in  forwarding  the  letters  from  the  West 
ern  Territory,  although  they  were  upon  opening  of  them 
found  to  be  laws  only. 

Until  we  can  restrain  the  turbulence  and  disorderly 
conduct  of  our  borderers  it  will  be  in  vain  I  fear  to  ex 
pect  peace  with  the  Indians — or  that  they  will  govern 
their  own  people  better  than  we  do  ours. 

Mr.  Jefferson's  idea  with  respect  to  the  dispatches 
for  me,  is  a  very  good  one,  and  I  desire  it  may  be  put 
into  Execution.  I  send  you  some  letters  to  file,  not  find 
ing  it  convenient  to  be  incumbered  with  them  on  my 
journey.  My  best  wishes  attend  Mrs.  Lear —  and  I  am 
Yr.  Sincere  friend  &  Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  20. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  April  6th.  1791 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  3ist  Ult.  and  ist.  Inst.  have  been 
received.  To  morrow  I  continue  my  journey.  A  re 
quest  of  Genl.  Knox's  (consequent  of  Colo.  Lee's  de 
clining  his  appointment)  to  name  Officers  for  the  Colin, 
of  levies  to  be  raised  in  Berkley  &c.  has  prevented 
its  being  done  Sooner. 

I  am  perfectly  satisfied  that  every  necessary  and 
proper  step  will  be  taken  to  procure  a  good  Steward, — 
&  a  good  house  keeper — &  therefore,  shall  add  nothing 
further  on  this  head.  Let  the  man  who  is  at  work  in  ye 
Garden  or  has  been  there,  be  paid — I  mean  to  be  under 
no  obligations  to  any  one. 

The  pad  arrived  in  good  time  and  I  expect  my  horses 
(as  they  seem  well  recruited)  will  go  on  better  than 
they  have  come.  I  send  more  letters  to  be  filed.  My 
best  wishes  attend  Mrs.  Lear  &  the  child — and  I  am 
Sincerely  &  Affectionately 

Yrs. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  37 

No.  21. 

RICHMOND,  April  i2th.  1791. 

Dear  Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you  from  Mount  Vernon,  your  let 
ters  of  the  3d.  and  5th.  Instant  have  been  reed.,  the 
last  at  this  place  where  I  arrived  yesterday  to  dinner. 

If  the  case  is  as  you  suspect,  it  is  expedient  and  prop 
er  to  remove  Washington  to  a  School  in  which  he  will 
make  some  progress  in  his  learning ;  and  that  it  is  so, 
I  have  had  suspicions  for  some  time,  principally  on  ac 
count  of  his  fondness  of  going  to  the  College.  Boys  of 
his  age  are  better  pleased  with  relaxed  discipline — and 
the  inattention  of  their  tutors,  than  with  conduct  that 
brings  them  forward.  It  would  have  been  highly 
pleasing  to  me  (  for  the  reasons,  which  I  have  often  ex 
pressed)  to  have  continued  Washington  at  the  College, 
but,  if  after  the  enquiries  you  have  made,  it  should  ap 
pear,  that  there  is  either  incompetency  in  the  masters 
from  the  number  of  boys  in  the  School,  or  from  other 
causes,  I  will  not  waste  his  time  in  compliment  to  that 
Seminary, — but  before  you  finally  decide  on  this  matter, 
it  is  my  wish  as  Colo.  Hamilton,  Genl.  Knox  and  the 
Attorney-General  have  sons  in  the  same  predicament 
(if  they  are  not  removed)  that  you  would  consult  and 
act  in  Concert  with  them;  &  I  shall  be  satisfied  in 
whatever  is  done  in  consequence  of  it.  And  should 
like  to  have  him  at  the  same  School  that  Hamilton's 
son  goes  to. 

The  Attorney-General's  case  and  mine  I  conceive, 
from  a  conversation  I  had  with  him  respecting  our 
Slaves,  is  some  what  different.  He  in  order  to  qualify 
himself  for  practice  in  the  Courts  of  Pennsylvania,  was 
obliged  to  take  the  Oaths  of  Citizenship  to  that  State; 
whilst  my  residence  is  incidental  as  an  Officer  of  Gov 
ernment  only,  but  whether  among  people  who  are  in 


38          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

the  practice  of  enticing  slaves  even  where  there  is  no 
colour  of  law  for  it,  this  distinction  will  avail,  I  know  not, 
and  therefore  beg  you  will  take  the  best  advise  you  can 
on  the  subject,  and  in  case  it  shall  be  found  that  any 
of  my  Slaves  may,  or  any  for  them  shall  attempt  their 
freedom  at  the  expiration  of  six  months,  it  is  my  wish 
and  desire  that  you  would  send  the  whole,  or  such  part 
of  them  as  Mrs.  Washington  may  not  chuse  to  keep, 
home — for  although  I  do  not  think  they  would  be  bene- 
fitted  by  the  change,  yet  the  idea  of  freedom  might  be 
too  great  a  temptation  for  them  to  resist.  At  any 
rate  it  might,  if  they  conceived  they  had  a 
right  to  it,  make  them  insolent  in  a  State  of  Slav 
ery.  As  all  except  Hercules  and  Paris  are  dower 
negroes,  it  behoves  me  to  prevent  the  emancipation  of 
them,  otherwise  I  shall  not  only  loose  the  use  of  them, 
but  may  have  them  to  pay  for.  If  upon  taking  good 
advise  it  is  found  expedient  to  send  them  back  to  Vir 
ginia,  I  wish  to  have  it  accomplished  under  pretext 
that  may  deceive  both  them  and  the  Public; — and 
none  I  think  would  so  effectually  do  this,  as  Mrs.  Wash 
ington  coming  to  Virginia  next  month  (towards  the 
middle  or  latter  end  of  it,  as  she  seemed  to  have  a  wish 
to  do)  if  she  can  accomplish  it  by  any  convenient  and 
agreeable  means,  with  the  assistance  of  the  Stage 
Horses  &c.  This  would  naturally  bring  her  maid  and 
Austin — and  Hercules  under  the  idea  of  coming  home 
to  Cook  whilst  we  remained  there,  might  be  sent  on  in 
the  Stage.  Whether  there  is  occasion  for  this  or  not 
according  to  the  result  of  your  enquiries,  or  issue  the 
thing  as  it  may,  I  request  that  these  Sentiments  and 
this  advise  may  be  known  to  none  but  yourself  &  Mrs. 
Washington.  From  the  following  expression  in  your 
letter  "  that  those  who  were  of  age  might  follow  the  ex- 
"ample  of  his  (the  Attorney's  people)  after  a  residence 
"of  six  months  "—it  would  seem  that  none  could  apply 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  39 

before  the  end  of  May — &that  the  non  age  of  Christo 
pher,  Richmond  &  Oney  is  a  bar  to  them. 

I  offer  Mrs.  Lear  the  child  and  yourself  my  best  wish 
es — and  with  Sincere  Esteem  I  am 

Your  Affecte.  friend 

No.   22. 

NEWBURN,  No.  CARA   Aprl.  2ist.    1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Not  having  heard  from  you  since  I  wrote  to  you  from 
Richmond,  the  purpose  of  this  is  only  to  let  you  know 
where  we  are,  and  to  cover  the  enclosed  for  Mrs.  Wash 
ington. 

We  have,  all  things  considered,  come  on  tolerably 
well,  yet,  some  of  the  horses,  especially  the  two  last 
bought — are  not  a  little  worsted  by  their  journey,  & 
the  whole  if  brought  back,  will  not  cut  Capers  as  they 
did  at  setting  out. 

I  came  to  this  place  yesterday  and  shall  proceed  on 
tomorrow.  Wilmington  100  Miles  from  hence  will  be 
my  next  halting  place,  from  whence  if  the  Post  of  this 
evening  brings  letters  to  me,  they  will  be  answered,  for 
there  will  be  no  time  to  do  it  here,  as  not  more  than  an 
hour  is  allowed  him  to  stay.  My  best  wishes  to  Mrs. 
Lear. 

I  am  Yr  Sincere  &  Affecte.  friend 
P.  S. 

The  Post  is  just  arrived  without  any  letters  for  me. 

No   23. 

SAVANNAH,  May  i3th.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

1  have  not  I  believe  written  to  you  since  I  left  Rich 
mond.  At  Charles  Town — towards  the  last  of  my  stay 
there — I  reed,  your  letters  of  the  loth.  &  i$th.  of  April, 
but  the  continual  hurry  into  which  I  was  thrown — by 


40          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

entertainments — visits — and  ceremonies  of  one  kind 
or  another,  scarcely  allowed  me  a  moment  that  I  coud 
call  my  own — nor  is  the  case  much  otherwise  here. 

No  letters,  North  of  Virginia  will  now  reach  me  until 
I  arrive  at  Fredericksburg  in  that  State,  which  is  the 
first  place  at  which  I  shall  strike  the  line  of  the  Post. 
There  are  no  cross  Posts  on  this  side  Alexandria,  and 
the  chances  of  letters  getting  to  me  by  private  hands, 
as  my  rout  back  will  be  very  wide  of  the  Post  Road,  is 
so  unfavorable  that  I  have  ordered  all  letters  to  be 
stopped  at  Charleston  and  sent  back  to  the  Post  Office 
in  Fredericksburg  to  await  my  arrival  there. 

The  silence  of  Frauncis  is  evidence  sufficient,  that 
nothing  is  to  be  expected  from  him  and  if  your  prospects 
with  the  other  person  (mentioned  in  your  letter)  are 
no  better,  the  plan  suggested  in  your  letter  of  the  i4th. 
may  be  tried,  as  the  best  expedient  that  offers.  A 
little  experience  (and  there  is  time  for  it  before  the 
meeting  of  Congress)  will  prove  the  Utility  or  inutility 
of  the  Measure. 

I  came  to  this  place  on  Thursday  afternoon  and  shall 
leave  it  to  morrow,  after  attending  the  first  church. 
The  Roads  are  abominably  sandy  and  heavy — my 
Horses  (especially  the  two  I  bought  just  before  I  left 
Philadelphia,  and  my  old  White  Horse)  are  much  worn 
down,  and  I  have  yet  150  or  200  miles  of  heavy  sand 
to  pass  before  I  fairly  get  into  the  upper  and  firmer 
Roads. 

Offer  my  best  wishes  to  Mrs.  Lear.     I  hope  the  child 
and  yourself  are  in  good  health — I  remain  Your 
Sincere  &  Affectionate  friend 

No.  24. 

FREDERICKSBURG,  June  i2th.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Yesterday  we  arrived  at  this  place  in  good  health, 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  41 

but  with  horses  much  worn  down.  To  morrow  I  expect 
to  reach  Mount  Vernon — where  even  if  my  horses  were 
able  to  proceed  I  am  obliged  to  remain  till  the  27th. 
Instant —  the  day  appointed  by  me  at  the  last  meeting, 
to  meet  the  Commissioners  at  George  Town,  in  order  to 
fix  on  the  Spot  for  the  Public  buildings,  and  for  other 
purposes  arising  from  the  residence  act. 

I  have  at  this  place  reed,  your  letter  of  the  3oth. 
Ulto.  but  none  of  an  intermediate  date  between  that  of 
the  1 5th.  and  it.  Your  directions  to  have  them  sent 
cross  wise  the  Country,  was  unlucky — first  because 
there  are  no  cross  Posts. — 2nd.  because  my  rout  back 
was  not  irrevocably  fixed — and  3d.  because  I  had, 
knowing  these  circumstances,  directed  from  Charleston 
all  letters  which  might  be  following  me,  to  be  returned 
to  this  place  to  await  my  call.  The  slow  movement 
of  the  mail  in  the  three  Southern  States  prevented  (I 
presume)  these  directions  getting  to  Richmond  before 
the  letters  were  forwarded  to  Taylor's  Ferry,  and  my 
crossing  at  Carter's  (a  ferry  much  higher  up  James 
River)  has  been  the  cause  or  causes,  I  imagine  of 
missing  them. 

Being  interrupted  by  visittors  I  shall  postpone  until 
I  arrive  at  Mount  Vernon  further  communications, 
the  principal,  indeed  the  only  purpose  of  this  letter 
being  to  advise  you  of  my  arrival  at  this  place,  and  of 
my  intended  stay  at  Mount  Vernon  for  the  reasons 
which  I  have  assigned.  My  best  wishes  attend  you, 
Mrs.  Lear,  and  the  child  &I  am  Sincerely  and  Affection 
ately 

Yours 

No.  25. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  June   i$th.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  2Qth.  Ulto.  I  acknowledged  the 


42          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

receipt  of  from  Fredericksburg,  since  which  another  of 
the  5th.  Inst.  has  been  received. 

The  Commissions  for  Whitaker  and  Me.  Dowell,  were 
properly  issued,  as  those  also  are  mentioned  in  your 
letter  of  the  5th.  and  it  was  on  my  mind,  that  blank 
commissions  signed  by  me  were  left  with  you,  for  the 
officers  of  the  Revenue  cutters .  This  not  being  the  case, 
quere —  if  there  is  not  a  necessity  of  sending  some  to  me 
for  my  signature,  as  I  shall  not  leave  this  before  the 
2  yth.,  may  be  detained  at  George  Town  two  or  three  days, 
and  must  afterwards  proceed  slowly,  on  account  of  the 
low  condition  of  my  horses.  The  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  will  be  able  to  decide  on  this  point,  and  I  wish 
you  to  act  in  the  matter  accordingly  as  he  shall  advise 
you.  I  find  another  of  the  federal  Judges  (Hopkinson). 
has  by  his  death  occasioned  a  vacancy  in  the  District 
of  Pennsylvania.  As  some  have  and  others  will  un 
questionably  apply  for  the  appointment,  I  wish  you 
would  use  every  indirect  means  in  your  power  to  ascer 
tain  the  public  opinion,  with  respect  to  the  fittest  char 
acter  as  a  successor  to  Hopkinson.  Pursue  the  same 
mode  to  learn  who  it  is  thought  would  fill  the  present 
Auditor's  office  (as  he  will  be  appointed  Comptroller) 
with  the  greatest  ability  and  integrity.  Several  have 
been  brought  to  my  view  for  the  Comptroller's  place 
(who  I  suppose  would  accept  of  the  Auditor's)  as  able 
&  meritorious  Characters;  among  these  are  the  names 
of  Mr  .Richmond,  the  present  Comptroller  or  Audi  tor  of 
Maryland, — Colo.  Pickering — Mr.  Kean — Colo.  Dray- 
ton,  a  Gentleman  of  So.  Carolina,  —  Colo.  Forest  & 
others. 

It  is  hardly  to  be  expected  by  the  Trustees  of  any 
College  that  complaints  will  not  be  made  by  the  parents 
or  friends  of  the  boys  who  go  to  it,  if  they  conceive  they 
are  neglected ; —  and  if  Trustees  mean  to  do  their  duty, 
&  Support  the  Reputation  of  the  Seminary,  they  ought 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  43 

I  am  sure  to  be  thankful,  for  well  founded  Representa 
tions  of  neglect  in  the  economy — police — or  inattention 
of  the  professors  &  teachers. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  that  the  affairs  of  our  own  family 
are  going  on  well — and  it  might  not  be  improper  to 
hint  to  the  Servants  who  are  with  you,  (before  they  are 
joined  by  those  with  me)  that  it  will  be  very  idle  &  fool 
ish  in  them  to  enter  into  any  combination  for  the  pur 
pose  of  supplanting  those  who  are  now  in  authority; 
for  the  attempt  in  the  first  place  will  be  futile  &  must 
recoil  upon  themselves;  and  because  admitting  they 
were  to  make  the  lives  of  the  present  Steward  &  house 
keeper,  so  uneasy  as  to  induce  them  to  quit,  others 
would  be  got  to  supply  their  places ;  and  such  too,  as 
would  be  equally,  if  not  more  rigid  in  the  exaction  of 
the  duties  required  of  servants.  In  a  word,  that  these 
Characters  are  indispensibly  necessary  to  take  trouble 
off  the  hands  of  Mrs.  Washington  and  myself  &  will  be 
supported ;  any  attempts  therefore  to  Counteract  them 
in  the  line  of  their  duty,  whilst  they  act  agreeably  to 
established  rules,  and  their  conduct  is  marked  with 
propriety,  will  be  considered  as  the  strongest  evidence 
they  can  give  of  their  own  unworthiness,  &  dispositions 
to  be  lazy,  if  not  dishonest.  A  good  &  faithful  Servant 
is  never  affraid  or  unwilling  to  have  his  conduct  looked 
into,  but  the  reverse,  because  the  more  it  is  inspected 
the  brighter  it  shines.  With  respect  to  the  other  mat 
ters  of  a  domestic  nature  mentioned  in  your  letter  of 
the  5th.  I  shall  postpone  touching  upon  them  until  I 
see  you.  We  are  suffering  in  these  parts  by  a  severe 
drought.  Grass  is  scarcely  worth  cutting — and  Oats 
if  rain  keeps  off  two  or  three  days  longer  must  be  ruined. 
Corn  is  bad,  but  it  is  too  early  in  the  year,  to  form  an 
opinion  of  the  yield  of  it.  Remember  me  to  Mrs.  Lear, 
—  and  be  assured  of  the  Sincere  esteem  and  friendship 
of  Yr  Affecte. 


44          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

No.  26. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  June  igth.  1791. 

Dear  Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you  (from  this  place)  I  have  reed, 
your  letters  of  the  i2th.  immediately  from  Philadel 
phia,  and  those  of  the  lyth.  and  2 4th.  of  April,  after 
their  having  taken  a  trip  to  the  Southward. 

I  find  by  Mrs.  Washington's  letters  that  Mr.  Fraun- 
cis  is  very  desirous  of  introducing  Mrs.  Read,  into 
the  family  again;  this  idea  it  would  be  well  for  him  to 
relinquish  at  once  and  forever ;  for  unless  there  are  rea 
sons  inducing  it,  which  my  imagination  cannot  furnish, 
it  never  will  happen.  Hercules  can  ansr.  every  pur 
pose  that  Mrs.  Read  would  do,  and  others  which  she 
will  not,  and  sure  I  am  that  the  difference  in  the  ex- 
pence  between  the  two  will  bear  no  comparison; — 
besides  supposing  Mrs.  Read  to  act  fairly  &  honestly 
(which  by  the  by  I  do  not  suppose  she  is  disposed  to  do 
if  she  is  not  to  be  the  absolute  mistress  of  her  own  con 
duct — in  a  word  uncontroulable  she  would  not  remain 
in  the  family  a  month.  She  would  also  encrease  the 
number,  and  of  course,  the  expence  of  the  second 
Table,  which  under  the  administration  of  Mr.  Hyde, 
I  believe  was  equal  to  the  first  (public  days  excepted). 
But  I  hope  it  is  a  matter  clearly  understood  by  Mr. 
Frauncis  that  wine  is  not  to  be  used  at  it  again,  under 
any  pretence  whatsoever,  for  there  can  be  no  line  drawn 
if  it  be  once  admitted,  either  as  to  the  quantity  or 
quality,  that  will  be  drank  at  it. 

By  the  last  Post  the  letter  of  Messrs.  Fenwick  & 
Mason,  explanatory  of  the  Wine  from  Charleston,  was 
forwarded  to  you  and  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  that  the 
wine  was  reed,  in  good  order;  for  no  attempts  of  that 
house  hitherto,  seem  to  have  succeded  well  so  far  as  I 
am  concerned  in  them.  The  other  Wine  to  Mr.  Jef- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  45 

ferson  will  I  presume  be  divided,  and  settled  for  as  soon 
as  he  shall  have  returned  from  his  Northern  Tour. 

Without  going  into  the  detail  on  the  several  points  of 
your  letters  I  can  assure  you,  that  the  measures,  that 
you  have  adopted  with  respect  to  Washington — George 
and  Lawrence — my  black  people  &  the  employment 
of  Mr.  Frauncis  &  Mr.  Emmerson  as  far  as  they  have 
been  communicated,  meet  my  entire  approbation, — 
and  I  wish  you  to  inculcate  strongly  upon  the  white 
servants  of  the  family  (as  mentioned  in  my  last)  that 
it  will  be  vain  and  idle  in  them  to  suppose,  that  by  a 
combination  they  will  avoid  their  own  duties — or  can 
effect  the  discharge  of  those,  to  whom  the  management 
of  the  household  business  is  committed.  They  must  be 
sensible  that  they  have  as  high  wages  as  are  given  to 
any  servants  in  their  respective  stations, — that  they 
are  as  well  provided — &  perhaps,  better  paid  than  most — 
and  no  extra  duties  imposed  upon  them ;  consequently 
that  if  an  attempt  of  this  sort  is  made  it  will  recoil  upon 
themselves.  I  shall  communicate  the  same  sentiments 
to  those  who  are  with  me  that  if  they  do  sin  it  shall  be 
with  their  eyes  open,  and  under  a  knowledge  of  the 
Consequences. 

As  I  shall  have  occasion  for  a  number  of  Blankets 
for  my  people  this  fall;  and  as  the  best  time  to  pur 
chase  them  I  am  told  is  after  the  Winter's  demand  is 
over,  I  should  be  glad  if  you  would  make  a  pretty  dili 
gent  enquiry  after  them,  before  I  arrive;  that  I  may 
know  whether  and  upon  what  terms  I  can  get  supplied. 
It  is  probable  I  may  want  near  two  hundred. 

The  Major  desires  me  to  write  for  half  a  bushel  of 
Turnip  seed  of  the  best  kind — viz.  a  peck  of  the  white 
Summer  and  other  peck  of  the  red  Winter ; — but  a  good 
Winter  and  a  good  Summer  Turnip  of  any  other  kind, 
I  suppose,  will  do.  It  must  be  sent  soon  or  both  will 
be  useless. 


46          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

I  should  like  to  see  Mr.  Payne's  answer  to  Mr. 
Burke's  Pamphlet ;  if  it  is  to  be  had  and  could  be  sent 
off  by  the  Post  on  Friday  it  would  meet  me  at  George 
Town  on  Monday  the  27th.  where  I  shall  be  &  from 
whence  I  shall  proceed ; — but  on  what  day  is  more  than 
I  am  able  to  determine  until  I  go  there,  and  shall  see 
what  is  necessary  to  be  done  at  that  place,  towards 
carrying  the  law  respecting  the  permanent  residence 
into  effect.  To  do  this  there  are  many  matters  to  de 
cide  upon ;  and  some  of  them  not  a  little  difficult.  It 
is  not  very  probable  therefore  that  I  shall  leave  George 
Town  before  Thursday,  but  I  would  not  have  such  de 
pendence  placed  on  this,  as  to  expect  letters  will  meet 
me  there  on  Wednesday  evening,  especially  as  it  is  in 
distant  contemplation  (if  upon  enquiry  at  George  Town 
it  shall  be  found  that  the  difference  in  the  length  of  the 
two  roads  is  not  great)  to  return  by  the  way  of 
Frederick  Town,  York  &  Lancaster,  to  Philadelphia. 

Paris  has  become  so  lazy,  self  willed, — and  impudent 
that  John  (the  Coachman)  has  no  sort  of  Government 
of  him;  on  the  contrary,  John  says  it  was  a  maxim 
with  Paris,  to  do  nothing  he  was  ordered,  and  every 
thing  he  was  forbid.  This  conduct,  added  to  the  in 
capacity  of  Giles  for  a  Postillion,  who  I  believe  will 
never  be  able  to  mount  a  horse  again  for  that  purpose — 
has  induced  me  to  find  Paris  some  other  employment 
than  in  the  Stables.  Of  course,  I  shall  leave  him  at 
home.  A  boy  or  two  may  be  necessary — there  to 
assist  about  the  horses,  Carriages  &  Harness — but 
these  (dutch  ones)  it  is  possible  may  be  had  for  their 
victuals  &  clothes, — especially  if  there  are  large  im 
portations  from  Germany  (as  some  articles  in  the 
papers  say  there  will  be).  I  mention  the  matter  now 
that  in  case  arrivals  should  happen  before  I  get  back, 
of  these  kind  of  people,  you  may  be  apprised  of  my 
wishes : — low  &  squat  (well  made)  boys  would  suit  best. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  47 

If  emigrants  are  not  to  be  had,  there  can  be  no  doubt 
but  that  some  of  the  dutch  servants  in  the  family 
could  easily  procure  such  as  are  wanted  from  among 
the  citizens— &  perhaps  none  readier  or  better  than  by 
John  himself  when  he  arrives.  Remember  me  to  Mrs. 
Lear — &  be  assured  of  the  Esteem  &  Regard 

Of  Yr.  AfTecte. 

No.  27. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  June  26th.  1791. 

Dear  Sir, 

This  is  the  eve  of  my  departure  for  George  Town,  and 
being  Sunday  ought  to  have  been  a  day  of  rest; — but 
it  is  not  so  with  me  either  from  Company  or  business, — 
the  latter  occasioned  by  a  constant  succession  of  Com 
pany  during  the  whole  of  last  week: — wch.  obliged 
me  to  postpone  many  matters  until  this  day,  which 
ought,  and  but  for  that  reason,  would  have  been  done 
in  the  course  of  it.  Such  time  as  I  have  been  able  to 
spend  in  my  study  to  day  has  been  employed  in  sort 
ing  of  the  letters  &  papers  which  have  been  received 
since  I  left  Charleston,  part  of  which  I  enclose,  because 
my  traveling  writing  desk  will  not  contain  them. 

I  have  but  little  leisure  to  say  much  in  this  letter,  if 
much  (as  I  expect  soon  to  be  in  Philadelphia)  was  nec 
essary.     I  presume  all  the  letters  which  had  been  sent 
to  Taylor's  Ferry  &  other  places,  have  got  to  me — but 
that  you  may  judge,  the  following  is  a  list  of  them — 
April  3d.  $th.  loth.  i$th.  i7th.  24th. 
May  ist.  8th.  i$th.  22nd.  29th. 
June  5th.  i2th.  i9th. 

What  my  stay  at  George  Town  may  be,  is  at  present 
beyond  my  ken,  I  go  there  prepared  to  proceed,  and 
shall  make  Hercules  take  the  Waggon  box  in  place  of 
Paris.  From  that  place,  so  soon  as  I  shall  be  able  to 


48  LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

decide,  on  the  day  of  my  departure  from  it,  &  the  rout, 
I  will  inform  you,  or  Mrs.  Washington  thereof. 

I  think  it  was  a  duty  you  owed  Mrs.  Lear  your  Moth 
er  to  meet  her  at  New  York  for  the  purpose  of  accom* 
panying  her  to  Philadelphia.  If  she  is  still  in  that  City 
I  request  my  respects  may  be  presented  to  her.  The 
last  Post  came  without  the  Commissions  promised  in 
the  P.  S.  to  your  letter  of  the  igth.  or  any  letter  from 
you.  My  best  wishes  attend  Mrs.  Lear  &c.  and  I  am 
Yr.  Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  28. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Septr.  23d.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i8th.  with  the  Gazettes  came  duly 
to  hand,  and  I  wish  you  to  forward  the  latter  (such  as 
were  sent  last)  by  Wednesday's  and  Friday's  Post;  in 
which  case  they  will  arrive  in  Alexandria,  on  Mondays 
and  Fridays  when  I  shall  have  a  messenger  at  the  Post- 
Office  in  readiness  to  receive  them.  Accompany  the 
papers  with  occurrencies  worthy  of  communication,  if 
any  there  be  uncontained  in  them. 

Let  Mr.  Page  know  that  it  shall  depend  upon  his 
carriage's  being  at  George  Town  by  Noon,  on  Tuesday 
the  1 8th.  of  Octr.  that  I  may  be  able  to  proceed  Phila 
delphia-wards  the  same  day.  Mrs.  Washington,  the 
children  and  the  servants,  will  be  there  in  readiness  for 
that  purpose. 

Favored  with  fine  weather  we  had  a  pleasant  Jour 
ney  home,  and  arrived  safe  on  Tuesday  last.    Mrs  Stu 
art  and  her  family  were  all  here  and  well,  and  join  us  in 
best  wishes  to  you  Mrs.  Lear&  Major  Jackson. 
Sincererely  &  affectionately, 

I  am  Yrs. 
P.  S. 

Christopher  and  the  Black  Smith  got  home  before 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  49 

us.  The  latter  is  trying  his  hand  at  some  Mill  work  for 
Evans,  but  I  have  had  no  apportunity  yet  of  deciding 
upon  his  skill. 

Pray  measure  the  height  of  the  walls  of  the  house  you 
are  in,  from  the  Cornice  at  the  shingling  of  the  roof  to 
the  pavement,  and  give  it  to  me  in  the  first  letter  you 
may  write  to  me  after  the  rect.  of  this. 

No.  29. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Septr.  26th.  1791. 

Dear  Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you  I  have  reed,  your  two  letters  of 
the  2 1  st.  Inst. — one  dated  in  the  morning,  and  the  other 
in  the  evening  of  that  day. 

What  appeared  to  you  to  be  the  object  of  the  formal 
enquiries  of  Mr.  Powell  and  the  Mayor  of  the  City — in 
their  late  interrogations?  Did  they  mean  to  convict  Mr. 
Gallatine  of  mis-representation — or  me  of  an  improper 
interference  in  the  building  of  a  House  for  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States?  If  the  first  Mr.  Gallatine  may 
speak  for  himself; — if  the  latter  I  have  no  scruple  in 
declaring  to  those  Gentlemen  or  to  any  others,  that  no 
one  has  a  right  to  publish  sentiments  as  mine  that  were 
never  uttered,  or  conceived  by  me;  especially  too  after 
the  reverse  had  been  explicitly  declared — to  Mr.  Fisher, 
at  his  own  request  which  was  made  as  he  professed  to 
answer  a  particular  purpose.  Previous  to  the  above 
communication  to  Mr.  Fisher,  I  do  not  recollect  that  I 
ever  expressed  a  sentiment  respecting  the  Public  build 
ing.  To  a  Pennsylvanian  or  one  wishing  to  promote  the 
measure,  I  am  certain  I  never  did; — but  afterwards 
when  I  found  my  want  of  recommendation  &  conse 
quent  dissatisfaction,  was  adduced  as  argument  to  sup 
port  the  measure,  I  was  inclined  that  the  following 
truth  should  be  known,  first  that  I  never  had,  since  I 


5o          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

got  rid  of  the  workmen  expressed  my  dissatisfaction 
with  my  accomodations.  Secondly,  that  as  I  have 
already  made  two  expensive  removals,  and  had  not 
long  to  remain  in  Office,  I  would  not  make  a  third,  un 
less  I  was  compelled  to  do  it.  And  thirdly,  under 
these  circumstances,  and  a  thorough  conviction  that 
the  proposed  building  might  be  delayed  and  still  erect 
ed  in  time  for  my  successor.  It  was  candid  and  fair  to 
make  these  sentiments  known — especially  as  they  were 
accompanied  with  a  pointed  declaration  that  it  was 
only  as  the  building  regarded  myself  personally  that 
they  were  communicated,  having  no  desire  to  inter 
meddle  in  the  politics  of  the  State. 

I  am  glad  you  stated  the  matter  in  writing  to  Mr. 
Powell.  Sentiments  and  communications  expressed 
in  that  manner,  cannot  be  misconceived,  or  misrep 
resented,  from  the  want  of  recollection.  I  hope  there 
is  no  intention  of  adding  near  50  Pr.  Cent  to  the  rent 
of  the  house  I  occupy ;  for  I  well  remember  my  desiring 
you  to  inform  the  Committee  that  I  must  and  would 
know  upon  what  terms  I  was  to  Inhabit  the  House  and 
yt.  you  told  me  they  had  fixed  the  Rent  at  500^  Pr. 
Annum. 

If  you  have  not  already  made  a  purchase  of  Blankets, 
I  wish  you  to  suspend  doing  it  untill  you  hear  from  me 
again.  I  am  about  to  send  this  day  to  Alexandria, 
where  it  is  said  large  importations  of  this  article  have 
been  made, — to  learn  the  qualities  &  price  of  the  dutch 
Blanketing.  Sitgreaves'  memo,  is  not  explicit  enough 
to  enable  me  to  judge  of  the  size  or  quality  of  his — the 
onty  sort  of  them  which  are  applicable  to  my  use,  are 
inserted  thus,— "  Striped  Duff  ells  us/,  to  i8o/.  Pr. 
"Piece  of  15  Blankets." — This  brings  the  lowest  of 
these  to  Q/.&  the  highest  to  12 /.  each — which  is  high, 
supposing  them  of  the  largest  size,  &  of  the  first  quality. 
If  you  will  mention  in  your  next  the  length  &  breadth 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  51 

of  the  different  sizes  &  whether  they  are  of  the  best 
quality,  I  shall  be  better  able  to  decide. 

I  do  not  recollect  whether  I  mentioned  to  you  in  my 
last,  that  the  Major  got  home  a  day  or  two  before  us. 
He  is  much  better  than  he  was,  but  not  yet  free  from 
the  pain  in  his  breast  &  Cough. 

Mrs.  Washington  and  all  the  family  (which  at  present 
is  pretty  numerous)  join  me  in  best  wishes  for  yourself 
Mrs.  Lear,  Majr.  Jackson  &  the  child. 
I  am,  Dear  Sir 

Your  sincere  friend  & 

Affece.  Servt. 


No.  30. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  2d.  1791. 

Dear  Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you  which  I  think  was  written  on 
this  day  week,  I  have  reed,  your  letters  of  the  25th.  & 
27th.  Ulto. 

I  am  not  yet  able  to  speak  decisively  with  respect 
to  the  Blankets.  Many  have  arrived,  but  not  yet 
opened  in  Alexandria.  Mr.  Wilson  who  has  imported 
ot  them  largely,  at  from  567.  to  757.  Sterlg  Pr  Piece  of 
15  Blankets,  has  offered  them  to  me  at  70  P.  Ct.  but  as 
he  cannot  before  they  are  opened,  give  the  size,  or 
quality,  it  is  impossible  to  say  whether  they  will  come 
cheap  or  dear.  I  shall  ascertain  this  matter  before 
Friday  next,  and  will  then  write  to  you  on  the  subject 
again. 

Letters  and  Papers  from  you  by  the  Posts  on  Wed 
nesdays  &  Fridays  will  come  to  me  as  soon  those  which 
may  be  forwarded  on  Mondays,  as  I  do  not  send  to  the 
office  on  Wednesdays,  which  is  the  day  the  mail  arrives 
there  that  leaves  Philadelphia  on  Monday.  Those 


52         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

which  leave  that  place  on  Wednesday  come  in  on  Friday, 
&  the  Friday's  mail  arrives  on  Monday  and  these  are 
the  days  I  shall  send  up  for  letters  &c. 

I  send  two  French  letters  to  be  translated,  and 
forwarded  to  me. 

It  is  a  little  singular  when  considered  on  the  score 
of  candor,  that  Mr.  P —  should  suffer  Mr.  S —  to  as 
sert  what  he  did  in  theS — without  contradicting  him; — 
but  the  views  and  conduct  of  the  City  influence  stands 
in  need  of  no  developement  in  my  mind.  Nor  have  I 
a  much  higher  opinion  of  the  candor  of  Mr.  F — .  He 
is  very  welcome  however,  to  the  copy  of  the  letter 
you  wrote  Mr.  P —  and  with  which  you  furnished 
him,  as  I  wish  the  sentiments  therein  expressed 
to  be  generally  known,  since  the  matter  has  been 
introduced  into  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  and 
so  unfairly  stated  as  it  appears  to  have  been  done 
by  both  parties.  The  details  you  have  given  me 
of  this  matter  was  very  proper,  and  I  am  glad 
you  furnished  me  with  them.  It  is  quite  right  that  I 
should  be  made  acquainted  with  these  things. 

I  am  very  well  satisfied  with  the  determinations  of 
the  Comee.  respecting  the  Rent,  and  the  time  of  its  com 
mencing,  and  am  glad  of  your  expression  to  that  effect. 

How  does  the  engraving  of  the  Federal  City  advance? 
Send  me  some  of  the  first  that  are  struck  off  and  let  the 
others  be  disposed  of  as  was  agreed  on.  If  you  should 
learn  with  certainty  that  the  Minister  of  France  is 
coming  to  this  place  advise  me  of  it,  and  when  he  sets 
out. 

All  the  family  here  are  well  except  the  Majr.  who 
seems  to  be  in  a  poor  way,  and  join  me  in  best  wishes 
for  you  &  yours  &  for  Majr.  Jackson.  I  am  sincerely 
and  affectionately 

Yrs. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  53 

No.  31. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  ;th.  1791. 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  3oth.  Ulto.  came  duly  to  hand  with 
the  enclosures. 

I  have  had  samples  of  the  Alexandria  Blankets  sent 
me — the  quality  of  them  is  not  good,  inferior  to  those 
I  had  from  Watson,  &  far  very  far  indeed  inferior  to 
those  I  used  to  import  myself.  The  prices,  length,  & 
breadth  of  three  kinds  are  enclosed. 

Messrs.  Sitgreaves'  give  no  length  to  their  Blankets 
and  if  Colo.  Biddle  has  been  accurate  in  his  accounts, 
&  I  understand  him,  the  Blankets  he  has  had  offered  to 
him,  however  good  in  other  respects,  are  intolerably 
narrow.  Under  this  view  of  the  matter  I  am  perplexed. 
I  by  no  means  like  the  prices  or  quality  of  those  Blan 
kets  in  Alexandria,  and  scarcely  know  what  judgment 
to  form  of  those  in  Philadelphia,  but  if  whilst  hesita 
ting  between  the  two  I  should  miss  both,  it  would  be  bad 
indeed,  as  my  people  would  in  that  case  be  in  great  dis 
tress  the  ensuing  Winter.  Upon  the  whole  I  have  re 
solved  to  refer  the  matter  once  more  to  you  with  the 
Alexandria  prices  &  sizes  (the  quality  you  can  only  form 
an  opinion  of  from  the  description  I  have  already  given) 
of  the  Blankets  in  that  place,  and  to  request  that  you 
&  Colo.  Biddle  will  endeavour  to  procure  me  the  quan 
tity  wanting — viz — 200;  if  upon  comparison  you  shall 
conceive  I  may  be  benefitted  thereby.  One  hundred 
of  the  largest  size  &best  quality  is  required ; — the  other 
hundred  may  be  of  the  middle  size  but  good  in  equality. 
But  in  truth  if  I  am  to  form  an  opinion  of  the  sizes  by 
the  accts.  sent,  the  largest  of  them  scarcely  comes  up 
to  my  ideas  of  a  middle  sized  Blanket.  At  all  events 
let  me  know  by  the  Wednesday's  Post  after  you  re- 


54          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

ceive  this  (and  which  will  reach  me  only  the  day  before 
I  leave  home)  what  I  have  to  trust  to,  as  I  should  re 
gret  a  disappointment  exceedingly. 

I  recollect  asking  you  if  among  my  Pamphlets  you 
had  seen  the  journal  of  my  tour  to  the  French  on  La- 
beauf  in  the  Year  1753?  I  understood  you  no ;  but  Mrs. 
Washington  thinks  you  said  yes.  I  have  searched  in 
vain  for  it  here.  Pray  decide  this  point  between  us. 

As  I  shall  have  but  little  time  between  my  return  to 
Philadelphia  and  the  meeting  of  Congress,  to  arrange 
matters  for  the  Communications  I  shall  have  to  make 
at  the  opening  of  the  Sessions — I  desire  that  you  will 
(for  my  time  is  so  much  occupied  here  by  Company  & 
the  necessary  attention  to  my  domestic  concerns,  as 
not  to  allow  me  time  to  do  it)  examine  my  speeches  at 
the  opening  of  the  three  last  Sessions  of  Congress  and 
compare  the  several  matters  recommended  in  them 
with  the  Laws  that  have  passed,  noting  the  things  rec 
ommended  and  not  acted  upon  at  all — as  also  the  mea 
sures  recommended  and  taken  up  by  Congress  but  not 
finished; — such  as  the  Militia  Law  &ca.  that  I  may,  by 
seeing  the  state  of  the  business,  decide  on  the  pro 
priety  (as  I  am  about  to  meet  a  new  House  of  Repre 
sentatives)  of  bringing  the  same  matters  before  Con 
gress  again.  It  will  do  if  this  enquiry  is  completed 
against  my  arrival, — and  I  pray  you  to  be  correct  in 
it.  The  Journals,  or  Mr.  Beckley  can  inform  you  of 
these  cases  which  have  been  taken  up,  but  never  fin 
ished;  &  I  wish  you  to  ask  at  the  Secretary  of  State's 
office  what  has  been  the  result  of  the  enquries  which 
have  issued  from  thence,  in  consequence  of  the  resolve 
of  Congress,  to  ascertain  the  quantity  &  state  of  the 
Lands  ceded  by  No.  Carolina. 

I  ought,  when  speaking  of  the  Blankets,  to  have  de 
sired  if  you  make  the  purchase  in  Philadelphia  to  for 
ward  them  by  the  first  vessel  which  is  bound  tQ  Alexan- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  55 

dria,  as  my  negroes  are  all  teazing  me  for  them,  &  the 
season  will  soon  make  them  necessary 

What  progress  does  Mr.  West  make?  and  has  he 
learnt  to  write  with  more  facility  and  ease  than  when 
I  left  him? 

Mrs.  Washington  requests  you  to  get  her  six  pieces 

of  Ginghams  according  to  the  enclosed  memam.  and 

to  send  them  along  with  the  Blankets.    She  and  all  here 

join  in  best  wishes  for  you  &ca. — And  I  am  ever  Yr. 

Affte.  frd.  &c. 

No.  32. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  loth.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  2d.  &  5th.  came  to  my  hands  on 
Saturday  morning.  Yesterday  I  allotted  to  acknowl 
edge  the  receipt  of  them, — and  to  write  several  letters, 
but  Company  coming  in  before  breakfast,  &  from 
thence  till  dinner,  and  early  succession  again  to  day — 
I  can  do  no  more  than  say  they  came  duly  to  hand,  and 
approve  of  your  getting  the  Rooms  (mentioned  in  your 
letter  of  the  2d.)  Painted.  The  passage  above  wants 
it  exceedingly;  especially  in  &  about  the  cross-pas 
sages,  &  I  hope  will  receive  a  Coat. 

I  am  Yrs.  Affectionately 


No.  33 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  i4th.  1791. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  9th.  was  forwarded  to  me,  yester 
day  morning  by  the  Post  master  in  Alexandria  (having 
sent  no  person  to  that  place  the  evening  before). 

I  am  glad  of  the  intimations  given  of  the  intentions 
of  the  Minister  of  France — and  pleased  tho'  distressed 


56          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

at  the  same  time  at  the  information,  that  the  24th. 
Inst.  is  the  day  fixed  on  for  the  meeting  of  Congress. 
I  had  no  more  Idea  of  this  than  I  had  of  its  being  dooms 
day.  Supposing  the  3ist.  to  be  the  day,  I  meant  to 
have  spent  Monday  and  possibly  Tuesday  at  George 
Town,  &  then  to  have  proceeded  leisurely  on ;  but  as 
the  case  is  I  shall  endeavour  to  reach  Bladensburg  at 
least  the  first  night  (that  is  Monday)  and  delay  no  time 
on  the  Road  afterwards  that  can  be  avoided,  as  I  shall 
have  scarce  any  time  to  prepare  my  Communications 
for  the  openg.  of  the  Session  on  the  24th.  if  there 
should  be  punctuality  in  the  Members. 

This  unexpected  event  makes  it  more  essentially 
necessary,  to  look  without  delay  and  with  accuracy 
into  the  Speeches  &  Laws  (at  the  past  Sessions)  agree 
ably  to  my  former  directions,  that  among  other  mat 
ters  they  may  be  considered  of  when  I  arrive.  If  any 
thing  else  should  have  occurred  to  you,  fit  for  recom 
mendation  or  communication  in  the  Speech,  note  it, 
that  in  case  it  should  not  be  among  my  memorandams 
it  may  be  ready  for  consideration. 

There  is  a  mystery  attending  the  engravg.  of  the 
Federal  City  which  I  do  not  comprehend.  It  appears 
some-what  singular  that  the  incorrectness  of  the  plan 
should  not  have  been  discovered  till  now,  when  Major 
L' Enfant  was  detained  many  days  in  Philadelphia  to 
prepare  &  fit  it  for  the  purpose. 

If  the  memorial  of  Messrs.  Friol  Roux  &  Co.  has 
not  already  been  sent  it  may  await  my  arrival  in  Phil 
adelphia,  as  I  shall  have  no  leisure  to  give  it  a  consid 
eration,  until  after  my  communications  have  been  pre 
pared  for  Congress.  Being  much  hurried  I  have  only 
time  to  wish  you  and  Mrs.  Lear  well,  &  to  assure  you 
of  the  sincere  esteem  and  regard  of 

Yrs.  Affectly 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  57 

No.  34. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  July  3oth.  1792. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  from  New  York  came  duly  to  hand,  and 
I  was  glad  to  find  you  had  got  that  far  in  safety.  I 
wish  the  remainder  of  your  journey  may  prove  equally 
pleasant  &  prosperous.  My  journey  was  not  of  this 
sort,  for  after  I  had  parted  with  the  Coach  Horses  I  was 
plagued  with  those  that  succeeded  them,  the  following 
day; — and  the  sick  mare  by  a  dose  of  Physic  which  had 
been  administered  the  night  I  reached  Chester,  was  so 
weakened,  and  failed  so  much  that  she' was  unable  to 
carry  Austin  any  farther  than  Susquehanna, — from 
thence  she  was  led  to  Hartford  and  left,  and  two  days 
afterwards  gave  up  the  ghost. 

I  found  the  face  of  the  Country  here  and  on  the 
road  this  side  of  Baltimore,  much  very  much  indeed 
parched  by  a  severe  drought  and  the  corn  in  miserable 
plight; — but  the  day  &  night  we  reached  home,  there 
fell  a  most  delightful  &  refreshing  rain,  and  the  weather 
since  has  been  as  seasonable  as  the  most  sanguine 
farmer  could  wish,  and  if  continued  to  us  may  make  our 
Indian  Corn  crop  midling — great  it  is  hardly  possible 
to  be — so  much  was  it  in  arrears  when  the  rains  set  in. 

Great  complaints  were  heard  of  the  Hessian  fly,  and 
of  the  rust  or  mildew,  as  I  traveled  on,  and  in  some 
places  I  believe  the  damage  has  been  great,  but  I  con 
ceive  more  is  said  than  ought  to  be  on  this  subject; — 
and  that  the  Crop,  upon  the  whole,  will  be  abundant  of 
Wheat: — mine  in  quantity  (and  the  quality  is  good) 
will  I  expect  greatly  exceed  any  I  have  made  these 
several  Years  past. 

I  found  at  George  Town  many  well  conceived,  & 
ingenious  plans  for  the  Public  buildings  in  the  New 
City: — It  was  a  pleasure  indeed  to  find  in  an  infant 
Country,  such  a  display  of  architectural  abilities.  The 


58          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

plan  of  Mr.  Hoben  who  was  introduced  to  me  by  Doctr. 
Tucker,  from  Charleston,  and  who  appears  to  be  a  very 
judicious  man,  was  made  choice  of  for  the  President's 
House,  and  the  commissioners  have  agreed  with  him  to 
superintend  the  building  of  it,  and  that  of  the  Capitol 
also,  if  they  should  hereafter  be  disposed  to  put  both 
under  one  management.  He  has  been  engaged  in  some 
of  the  first  buildings  in  Dublin — appears  a  master 
workman  and  has  a  great  many  Lands  of  his  own.  He 
has  laid  out  the  foundation  wch.  is  now  digging,  and 
will  be  back  in  a  month  to  enter  heartily  upon  the  work. 
The  plan  for  the  Capitol  was  not  fixed  on  when  I  left 
George  Town — two  or  three  very  elegant  ones  (among 
a  great  many  others  of  less  merit)  had  been  presented 
but  the  draughts-men  not  being  there,  a  postponement 
became  necessary  to  receive  explanation.  The  bridge 
will  be  accomplished  (it  is  said)  by  the  time  specified  in 
the  contract,  and  everything  that  could  be  put  in 
motion  before  the  plans  for  the  public  Buildings  were 
fixed  on,  is  in  as  much  forwardness  as  could  be  ex 
pected — &  will  now  I  have  no  doubt  advance  rapidly. 
As  you  did  not  mention  having  spoken  to  Mr.  Morris 
about  the  house,  I  am  under  some  apprehension  that 
you  omitted  doing  it,  which  will  be  unlucky.  Give  me 
an  acct.  of  what  I  suggested  to  you,  as  a  matter  for  in 
direct  inquiry.  All  here  are  well,  except  the  Majr. 
whose  situation  I  think  unpromising  &  precarious, 
growing  worse — they  all  join  me  in  best  wishes  for  Mrs. 
Lear  Yourself  &  the  child. 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

Yr.  Affece.  friend 

No.  35. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Septr.  2ist.  1792. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  written  but  one  letter  to  you  since  I  came  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  59 

this  place — I  was  on  the  point  of  writing  a  second, — 
when  yours  of  the  5th.  of  August  came  to  my  hands, 
informing  me  of  your  intention  of  leaving  Portsmouth 
about  the  first  of  this  month  and  expectation  of  reach 
ing  Philadelphia  (if  no  unforseen  delays  happened)  the 
2oth. — this  information  arrested  my  intention,  as  it  was 
uncertain  at  what  place  to  direct  to  you — or,  that  the 
letter  would  reach  your  hands,  before  it  reverberated 
back  to  that  City. 

I  feel  myself  much  obliged  by  the  information  con 
tained  in  your  letters  of  the  2ist.  of  July  and  5th.  of 
August,  but  as  I  expect  soon  to  see  you  shall  only  take 
notice  of  that  part  of  it  which  respects  a  tutor  for  a  few 
boys,  and  my  ardent  wish  that  you  may  have  been  able 
to  succeed  in  your  expectation  of  getting  one;  I  am 
more  and  more  persuaded  of  the  utility  of  the 
measure,  and  that  without  it  the  loss  to  Washington 
will  be  irreparable. 

I  have  nothing  agreeable  of  a  domestic  nature  to  re 
late,  and  I  go  not  abroad  to  collect  information  of  any 
other  kind.  Poor  George!  He  is,  I  believe  not  far  from 
that  place  from  whence  no  traveller  returns.  He  is 
but  the  shadow  of  what  he  was ;  he  has  not  been  out  of 
his  room  and  scarcely  from  his  bed  these  six  weeks. 
At  times  he  has  intervals  of  ease  which  flatter  a  little, 
but  I  have  little  hope  of  his  surviving  the  winter.  This 
adds  not  a  little  to  my  distress  and  perplexity  on  a  sub 
ject  you  are  already  acquainted  with — but  no  more  of 
this  at  least  for  the  present. 

My  family  and  this  part  of  the  Country  are  more 
sickly  than  they  have  been  since  the  recollection  of 
the  oldest  of  us, — first  with  the  flux  (but  that  did  not 
prevail  in  my  family)  and  next  with  intermittant  & 
remittant  fevers.  All  the  whites  of  it  however  have 
kept  up  except  William  whose  fever  is  by  an  act  of 
his  own  imprudence. 


60          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Not  knowing  what  delays  you  may  have  met  with 
upon  the  Road,  I  have  directed  Mr.  Francis  in  a  letter 
of  this  date  to  engage  Mr.  Page's  Coach  to  be  here  to  ac 
commodate  our  journey  to  Philadelphia,  for  which 
place  I  expect  to  set  out  about  the  8th.  though  I  may 
not  arrive  in  that  city  before  the  1 3th.  or  i4th.  of  Octr. 
The  stage  however  is  to  be  at  this  place  on  the  7th.  at 
night.  If  you  should  be  in  Philadelphia  by  the  time 
this  letter  reaches  it,  I  shall  rely  on  your  usual  punc 
tuality  and  expedition  to  effect  this.  If  the  Carriage 
should  not  be  here  before  the  8th.  the  case  will  not  be 
altered,  as  I  do  not  expect  Mrs.  Washington  will  leave 
this  place  before  the  Qth.  The  sale  may  require 
my  remaining  in  George  Town  one  day. 

If  this  letter  should  find  you  in  Philadelphia,  let  me 
know  the  result  of  your  application  to  Mr.  Page,  by  the 
first  Post  after  it  is  received.  Our  united  &  best  wishes 
are  offered  for  yourself  Mrs.  Lear  &  the  child,  and  with 
sincere  &  affectionate  regard — I  am  Always  Yr.  friend 

P.S. 

If  Mr.  Page  cannot  send  his  Carriage  some  other 
equally  convenient  if  to  be  had  must  be  sent  for  our 
accommodation,  as  it  is  thereon  we  depend. 

No.  36.  MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  ist.  1792. 

Dear  Sir, 

Expecting  this  letter  will  find  you  in  Philadelphia, 
I  wish  you  would  begin  in  time  to  compare  all  my 
speeches  in  Congress  with  the  subsequent  Acts  of  that 
body,  that  I  may  see  what  parts  of  them  have  passed 
altogether  unnoticed,  or  which  have  been  only  parti 
ally  noticed;  thereby  enabling  me  to  judge  whether 
any  &  what  parts  of  them  should  be  brought  forward 
again.  It  is  my  request  also  that  you  would  note  every 
thing,  that  may  occur  to  you  as  fit  subjects  of  infor- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  61 

mation,  or  for  recommendation  at  the  opening  of  the 
Session, — and  such  other  matters  as  result  from  the  laws, 
with  wch.  it  is  proper  to  make  the  Legislature  or  the 
Senate  acquainted.  I  want  to  have  all  the  materials 
collected  for  my  communications  previous  to  my  arrival 
that  when  the  whole  are  before  me  I  may  select  and 
digest  into  order,  such  as  will  be  proper  for  my  Speech. 

It  is  my  present  intention  to  commence  my  journey 
to  Philadelphia  on  this  day  week,  &  to  spend  that  and 
part  of  the  following  day  in  George  Town,  but  whether 
I  shall  be  able  to  do  it,  is  not  absolutely  certain,  as  yet. 
William  &  Richard  have  both  been  confined  to  their 
rooms  and  mostly  to  their  beds,  for  ten  or  1 2  days,  with 
intermittant  fever,  which  never  before  yesterday  was 
moderate  enough  to  admit  the  Bark,  which  makes  it 
doubtful  at  this  moment  whether  they  will  be  in  con 
dition  to  undertake  the  journey,  if  they  keep  well,  and 
a  return  of  the  fever  I  am  sure  will  prevent  it.  As  to 
poor  George,  I  shall  say  nothing,  his  fate  is  unquestion 
ably  fixed  and  Fanny's  from  present  appearances,  is 
very  unpromising,  probably  in  terminating  in  the  same 
disorder.  These  occurrencies  throw  my  private  affairs 
into  considerable  embarrassment; — But  as  they  es 
pecially  the  Major  is  not  likely  to  get  better,  &  if  they 
do  will  spend  the  winter  at  her  father's,  I  must  leave 
them  in  it  as  there  is  no  remedy  at  present. 

The  light  house  at  Cape  Henry  in  this  State  will 
soon  want  a  keeper,  &  if  my  memory  serves  me  many 
have  offered.  Pray  examine  their  characters  &  have 
them  ready  to  be  decided  on  by  the  time  I  arrive. 

Mrs.  Washington  went  up  this  morning  to  bid  Mrs. 
Stuart  (who  has  lately  added  a  son  to  the  family)  fare 
well.  My  best  wishes  attend  Mrs.  Lear  yourself  &  the 
child. — And  I  am  dear  Sir 

Your  Sincere  friend  and 
Affecte.  Servt. 


62          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

I  do  hereby  certify,  that  I  have  examined  the  Ac 
counts  kept  by  Mr.  Tobias  Lear,  on  my  behalf  from  the 
Commencement  of  my  Administration  of  the  Govern 
ment  of  the  United  States  down  to  the  3ist.  day  of  De 
cember,  One  Thousand  Seven  hundred  &  ninety  two — 
as  will  appear  by  the  Journal  &  Ledger  which  contain 
them — and  that  I  am  perfectly  well  satisfied  with  the 
clearness  &  justness  of  them. 

Given  under  my  hand  in  the  City 

of  Philadelphia  this  2$th.  day 

of  March,  1793. 

No.  37. 

BALTIMORE,  March  3oth.  1793. 
Dear  Sir, 

Late  this  afternoon  and  in  Company  I  reed,  your 
letter  of  yesterday's  date.  Proposing  to  set  out  early 
in  the  morning  &  the  trifling  incidents  which  happened 
to  occur  on  the  road  being  related  in  the  enclosed  letter 
I  shall  conclude  with  best  wishes  for  yourself  Mrs.  Lear 
and  the  Child — and  assurances  of  being  your  sincere 
friend  and 

Affectionate  Servant 

No.  38. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  April  5th.  1793. 
Dear  Sir, 

From  Baltimore  I  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  your 
letter  of  the  29th.  Ulto., — as  I  am  now  about  to  do 
that  of  the  ist.  Inst.  from  hence. 

I  had  no  idea  of  your  obtaining  money  from  Mr.  De 
Barth,  if  it  was  ever  more  abundant  than  you  represent 
ed  it  to  be — nor  do  I  believe  he  had  any  expectation  at 
the  time,  we  bargained  to  make  the  payment  stipu 
lated.  It  was  I  am  satisfied  a  speculation  on  his  part — 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  63 

depending  upon  the  Chapter  of  accidents  to  comply 
with.  Such  was  the  opinion  of  others  at  the  time — 
and  such  has  his  conduct  evinced  since.  The  dis- 
appointmt.  to  me  is  great  as  I  wanted  to  apply  the 
money  to  particular  uses.  Public  securities  (but  of 
these  I  dare  sayheisasscarse  as  he  is  of  Cash)  would  do. 

Let  me  know  in  your  next,  after  the  rect.  of  this 
what  are  the  real  selling  prices  of  flour  in  Philadelphia, 
and  the  opinion  of  the  knowing  ones  whether  the  prob 
ability  is  that  it  will  rise — fall — or  remain  where  it  is 
for  any  time.  In  this  State  it  has  fallen,  but  the  scar 
city,  of  Cash  ;&  War,  or  the  probability  of  one  between 
France  &G.  Britain  are  assigned  as  the  Causes,  together 
with  the  want  of  Vessels  to  export  the  produce  of  the 
Country. 

Offer  my  best  wishes  to  Mrs.  Lear  and  our  little 
friend  Lincoln,  and  believe  me  to  be — as  I  really  am 
Your  Sincere  friend  & 

Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  39. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  April  8th.  1793. 

Dear  Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you  from  this  place  your  letter  of  the 
3d.  Inst.  has  been  reed. — transmitting  Colo.  Cannon's 
Rental, — and  Mr.  De  Earth's  profession  of  inability  to 
discharge  his  Bond.  The  latter  seems  to  be  a  more  can 
did  account,  than  the  former,  but  with  both  I  must  be 
satisfied — presuming  I  shall  never  obtain  better  from 
either. 

Before  you  say  anything  to  Mr.  C —  with  respect  to 
the  lands  which  Mr.  De  Barth  had  of  me,  &  is  willing  to 
relinquish,  I  beg  you  to  have  some  conversation  with 
the  Attorney  General,  on  the  subject  he  mentioned  to 
me  respecting  Mr.  C —  which  I  did  not  very  clearly  un- 


64          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

derstand  at  the  time,  &know  less  of  it  now.  It  seemed 
to  squint  (if  I  recollect  rightly)  at  a  sort  of  Speculation 
which  might  implicate  the  seller ;  but  in  what  manner 
I  know  not.  As  I  do  not  however  mean  to  place  it  in 
the  power  of  malice  itself  to  charge  me  with  any  agency 
in  measures  that  can  even  be  tortured  into  impropriety 
on  this  head,  I  wish  the  above  enquiry  to  be  previously 
made. 

If  it  is  not  too  late,  I  mean  if  the  Assembly  of  Penn 
sylvania  has  not  risen,  and  the  opportunity  lost — 
I  wish  you  would  enquire  of  Mr.  Gallitan,  and  others 
from  the  Western  Country,  into  whose  hands  I  could, 
to  advantage,  entrust  the  management  of  my  business 
in  the  Counties  of  Fayette  &  Washington: — for  I  am 
sure  it  will  not  do  to  leave  it  in  the  hands  of  Colo. 
Cannon ;  who  if  nothing  else  is  against  him,  is  too  de 
pendent  for  his  election  as  representative  of  the  latter 
County  to  fix  my  rents  at  a  just  medium,  or  to  collect 
them  in  a  manner  he  ought  to  do,  least  his  popularity 
should  be  affected  by  it.  And  if  the  Rents  are  liable 
to  be  applied  (when  under  leases  for  5  years,  and  after 
farms  have  been  settled  12  or  15  years)  towards  re 
pairs  and  improvements,  I  may  bid  adieu  to  any  pros 
pect  of  profit  from  them;  as  nothing  can  be  easier 
than  to  balance  the  ace  t.  by  fence  rails  &  such  other  like 
improvements ;  which  every  man  who  ever  had  a  farm 
and  expected  to  make  any  thing  on  it,  always  did,  & 
for  their  own  sakes  ever  will  be  obliged  to  provide  for 
the  security  of  their  Crops  at  their  own  expence.  It  is 
usual  when  a  Tenant  goes  on  a  new  place  and  has  every 
thing  to  provide,  to  allow  him  one,  two  &  sometimes 
(according  to  situation  &  circumstances)  three  years 
Rent  free; — but  I  never  heard  before  of  a  continuance 
of  it  on  farms,  so  long  settled  as  I  have  mentioned,  & 
which  have  always  been  inoccupation.  Nor  is  it  to  be 
supposed  that  a  tenant  will  ever  do  anything  at  his 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  65 

own  expence,  if  by  agreement  he  can  charge  it,  to  the 
account  of  the  Land  Lord. 

As  the  will  of  my  deceased  Nephew  will  not  be  proved 
at  next  Court  for  this  County,  I  shall  not  (unless  ob 
liged  to  wait  for  Mr.  Robert  Lewis,  who  has  written 
me  that  he  shall  be  here  with  some  Rents  &  to  settle 
some  other  business  with  me)  remain  here  till  Monday 
the  1 5th. — but  as  I  shall  (unless  advices  from  Piladel- 
phia,  or  other  occurrencies  unknown  to  me  at  present 
render  it  inconvenient)  go  by  the  way  I  had  contem 
plated  to  come,  if  the  Roads  would  have  permitted  it — 
that  is — by  Frederick  Town  in  Maryland — Carlisle — 
Harrisburgh,  the  upper  Canal — Reading  &  the  lower 
Canal,  it  is  not  in  my  power  at  this  time  to  name  the 
day  when  it  is  probable  I  shall  be  in  Philadelphia,— 
but  at  any  rate  if  no  accident  happens;  nor  my  horses 
fail  me — it  will  be  by  the  2  5th.  of  the  month  at 
farthest. 

Fanny  Washington  thanks  you  for  your  friendly  re 
membrance  of  her,  and  joins  me  in  best  wishes  for  your 
self — Mrs.  Lear  &  Lincoln — I  am  always  &  Sincerely 
Yr.  Affectionate  friend 

No.  40. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  April  i2th.  1793. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  8th.,  but  as  I  am 
on  the  eve  of  my  return  to  Philadelphia,  and  have 
many  letters  to  write,  I  shall  do  little  more  than  ac 
knowledge  the  receipt  of  it.  The  advices  which  I  may 
receive  by  the  Post  to-night,  will  decide  whether  I 
shall  proceed  by  the  direct  rout — or  by  the  one  I  intend 
ed  to  have  come. 

The  enclosed  from  the  Attorney  General  I  return  to 
him  through  your  hands,  that  an  account  and  Copy  of 


66          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

it  may  be  taken  before  you  give  it  to  him,  wch.  should 
be  as  soon  as  convenient. 

I  always  receive  the  information  you  convey,  and 
your  sentiments  upon  political  or  other  subjects  with 
pleasure — no  apology  therefore  was  necessary  for  these 
offered  in  your  letter  of  the  above  date.  I  was  sorry  to 
learn  by  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Washingn.  that  little  Lin 
coln  has  been  unwell.  I  hope  he  is  quite  recovered. 
My  best  wishes  attend  him, — Mrs.  Lear — &  yourself 
and  I  am  always — Your  sincere  friend  &  Affecte. 

Servant 

No.  41. 

PHILADELPHIA,  June  2ist.  1793. 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  lyth.  came  by  the  Post  of  yester 
day — and  as  by  the  purport  of  it,  there  is  a  probability, 
that  this  letter  may  find  you  either  at  George  Town,  or 
Mount  Vernon,  I  write  it  for  the  purpose  of  declaring, 
that  your  going  to  the  latter  place  is  viewed  by  me  as 
a  very  kind  &  friendly  act.  The  account  given  of  Mr. 
Whiting  by  Doctr.  Craik,  is  a  very  distressing  one,  not 
only  as  it  respects  the  poor  fellow  himself, — but  on  acct. 
of  the  effect  it  must  have  on  my  business,  present  and 
to  come;  during  this  Year  at  least. 

Getting  an  acct.  from  him  (if  his  situation  will  en 
able  him  to  give  it)  of  the  monies  received  and  payed, 
and  such  as  may  be  due,  to  and  from  me,  is  of  impor 
tance, — a  general  view  given  by  him  of  other  matters  is 
more  to  be  wished  than  expected.  I  shall  bring  with 
me  the  accts.  he  rendered  to  Mr.  Dandridge  when  I 
was  last  at  Mount  Vernon. 

If  Mr.  Clarke  fulfills  his  engagement  (and  he  says  he 
will  tho'  I  think  it  questionable)  I  shall,  if  no  business 
more  than  I  am  apprised  of  at  present  intervenes  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  67 

prevent  it,  set  out  on  my  journey  on  Monday ;  and  ex 
pect  to  be  at  George  Town,  if  not  at  Mount  Vernon,  on 
Thursday  evening.  This  being  the  case  &  as  I  shall  see 
you  at  one  or  the  other  of  those  places,  or  must  meet 
you  on  the  road,  I  shall  only  add  that  with  much  truth 
and  friendship  I  am  Dr.  Sir  Yr.  Affecte. 

P.  S. 

Mrs.  Lear  &  Lincoln  are  perfectly  well. 

No.  42. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Septr.  2  5th,  1793. 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  have  not  written  to  you  since  we  parted,  but  had 
just  sat  down  to  do  it  when  your  letter  of  the  i3th.  inst. 
was  brought  to  me  from  the  Post  Office  Alexandria. 

It  gave  Mrs.  Washington,  myself,  and  all  who  knew 
him  sincere  pleasure  to  hear  that  our  little  favourite 
had  arrived  safe  and  was  in  good  health  at  Portsmouth 
— we  sincerely  wish  him  a  long  continuance  of  the  lat 
ter — that  he  may  be  always  as  charming  and  promis 
ing  as  he  now  is — that  he  may  live  to  be  a  comfort  and 
blessing  to  you — and  an  ornament  to  his  Country.  As 
a  token  of  my  affection  for  him,  I  send  him  a  ticket 
in  the  lottery  that's  now  drawing  in  the  Federal  City; 
&  if  it  should  be  his  fortune  to  draw  the  Hotel,  it  will 
add  to  the  pleasure  I  feel  in  giving  it. 

We  remained  in  Philadelphia  until  the  loth.  inst. 
It  was  my  wish  to  have  stayed  there  longer,  but  as  Mrs. 
Washington  was  unwilling  to  leave  me  amidst  the  ma 
lignant  fever  which  prevailed,  I  could  not  think  of  haz 
arding  her  and  the  children  any  longer  by  my  remain 
ing  in  the  City.  The  house  in  which  we  lived,  being 
in  a  manner  blockaded  by  the  disorder,  which  was 
becoming  every  day  more  and  more  fatal.  I  therefore 
came  off  with  them  on  the  above  day,  and  arrived  at 


68          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

this   place  the  i4th.  without  encountering  the  least 
accident  on  the  Road. 

You  will  learn  from  Mr.  Greenleaf  that  he  has 
dipped  deeply  in  the  concerns  of  the  Federal  City ;  ad 
vantageously  I  think  for  himself — and  I  am  pleased  with 
it,  on  public  ground  also,  as  it  may  give  facility  to  the 
operations  at  that  place,  at  the  same  time  that  it  is  em- 
barkg.  him  in  a  measure  which,  although  it  cannot  well 
fail  under  any  circumstances  that  are  likely  to  happen, 
may  be  considerably  promoted  by  men  of  spirit  with 
large  Capitals.  He  can  so  much  better  than  I  detail 
his  engagements  &  the  situation  of  things  in  and  about 
the  City,  that  I  shall  not  attempt  to  do  it  at  present. 

Mrs.  Washington  having  decided  to  let  Nelly  Cus- 
tis  have  her  Watch  and  Chain,  is  disposed  to  receive 
substitutes  in  lieu  thereof  at  about  Twenty  five  guineas 
price,  and  leaves  the  choice  of  them  to  you.  The  plain 
ness  of  the  Watch  &c.  will  be  no  objection.  One  hun 
dred  and  twenty  Dollars,  in  Bank  Notes  are  enclosed 
for  the  purchase  of  them. 

If  it  should  be  convenient,  and  perfectly  safe  for  you 
to  engage  for  me,  on  reasonable  terms  a  complete  Black 
Smith,  you  would  oblige  me  by  doing  so.  As  there 
are  laws  in  England  prohibiting  such  engagements 
under  severe  penalties,  and  such  may  exist  in  other 
Countries,  you  will  understand  me  clearly  that  for  no 
consideration  whatsoever  would  I  have  you  run  the 
smallest  risk  of  encountering  them — you  know  full  well 
what  kind  of  a  smith  would  suit  my  purposes,  it  is  un 
necessary  therefore  for  me  to  be  particular  on  this  head. 
He  must  however  have  a  character  on  which  you  can 
rely,  not  only  as  a  complete  workman  for  a  farm,  but  as 
an  honest,  sober  and  industrious  man.  If  he  comes  on 
wages  they  must  be  moderate ;  &  with  or  without  wages, 
he  must  be  bound  to  serve  me  three  years — four  would 
be  better 


TOBIAS  LEAR 
From  a  miniature  owned  by  Mrs.  Eyre. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  69 

Mrs.  Washington  thanks  you  for  your  kind  recol 
lection  of  her  request  respecting  Lincoln,  and  desires 
me  to  assure  you  of  her  sincere  love  for  him — in  which 
I  join,  &  of  her  friendship  &  regard  for  you.  In  what 
ever  place  you  may  be,  or  in  whatever  walk  of  life  you 
may  move,  my  best  wishes  will  attend  you, — for  I  am 
&  always  shall  be — Yr.  Sincere  friend  &  Affectr.  Servt. 

P.  S. 

I  have  just  reed,  a  letter  from  the  Earl  of  Buchan  in 
which  he  says  my  letter  intended  to  accompany  the 
Portrait  had  got  safe  to  his  hands,  but  that  he  had  seen 
nor  heard  nothing  of  the  Picture.  If  you  should  while 
in  New  York  see  the  painter  of  it,  be  so  good  as  to  men 
tion  this  circumstance  to  him,  and  inquire  into  the 
cause  of  the  failure. 

The  District  Attorney  of  New  Hampshire,  has  sent  his 
resignation.  I  am  entirely  unacquainted  with  the 
Characters  in  that  line,  in  that  State,  and  would  thank 
you  to  name  the  person  whom  you  think  best  qualified 
to  succeed  Mr.  Sherburne  &  most  likely  to  give  general 
satisfaction. 

No.  43. 

PHILADELPHIA,  6th.  May  1794. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  26th.  of  Jany.  with  a  Post  Script 
of  the  3oth.  of  the  same  month,  by  Capt.  Truxton  and 
another  of  the  1 2th.  of  Feby.  by  a  vessel  to  New  York 
I  have  safely  reed.  But  neither  the  one  from  Glasgow 
(with  the  box)  nor  the  other  by  the  Peggy,  refered  to 
in  the  above  letters,  are  yet  come  to  hand. 

The  Watch  and  Portrait  of  the  Earl  of  Buchan,  were 
reed,  in  very  good  order.  The  first  pleases,  and  for 
your  attention  to  it,  Mrs.  Washington  prays  you  to  ac- 


7o          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

cept  her  thanks.  The  extra  Cost,  together  with  the 
prices  of  the  other  articles  from  Glasgow  and  London, 
shall  be  paid  so  soon  as  I  can  find  a  person  disposed  to 
receive  the  amount,  &  this  I  shall  know  probably,  when 
I  converse,  with  Mr.  Dalton;  who,  I  believe,  is  on  a 
visit  to  the  Federal  City ;  as  he  proposed  to  set  out  for 
it  on  Monday  last. 

The  reception  you  met  with  from  the  Earl  of  Buchan 
and  Sir  John  Sinclair,  gives  me  sincere  pleasure,  and 
I  am  glad  to  find  they  have  introduced  you  to  char 
acters,  which  may  not  only  contribute  to  your  present 
gratifications,  but  which  in  the  Revolution  of  events, 
may  be  of  service  in  a  future  walk  of  life,  without  a 
possible  disservice,  that  results  not  from  imprudence; 
against  which  your  own  good  sence  will  always 
secure  you. 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  several  communi 
cations  in  your  letters  which  have  come  to  hand.  I 
place  great  reliance  on  them.  The  opportunities  you 
derive  from  mixing  with  people  in  different  walks — 
high  and  low — of  different  descriptions,  and  of  differ 
ent  political  Sentiments,  must  have  afforded  you,  an 
extensive  range  for  observation  and  Comparison, — 
more  so  by  far  than  could  fall  to  the  lot  of  a  stationary 
Character,  who  is  always  revolving  in  a  particular 
Circle. 

I  am  equally  well  pleased  to  hear  that  the  concerns, 
in  which  you  are  more  immediately  interested  are  in  as 
promising  a  train  as  the  peculiarly  disturbed  state  of 
matters  in  Europe  would  allow  you  to  expect.  I  hope 
they  will  continue,  and  that  your  plans  may  be  accom 
plished  to  the  fullest  extent  of  your  wishes. 

Mr.  Pearce  my  present  manager  at  Mount  Vernon, 
has  been  directed  to  send  for  your  fruit  Trees  the  mo 
ment  he  hears  of  the  Peggy's  arrival  at  George  Town; 
and  my  Gardner  is  instructed  to  take  particular  care 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  71 

of  them  until  they  are  otherwise  disposed  of  by  you; 
but  as  the  Vessel  had  not  arrived  the  29th.  Ulto.  (when 
I  heard  from  Mr.  Pearce)  there  is  much  reason  to  fear 
they  will  come  too  late,  as  a  mild  and  placid  March  and 
pleasant  April  (except  the  first  days  of  it)  have  caused 
a  most  luxuriant  vegetation  this  Spring  with  us  from 
North-to-South. 

Not  knowing  where  you  may  be,  when  this  letter 
shall  have  reached  London, — nor  the  hazzard  it  may 
run  in  following  you,  if  you  should  have  left  that 
Metropolis,  I  shall  do  little  more  than  touch  political 
subjects.  To  tell  you  that  the  order  of  his  Britanic 
Majesty  in  Council  of  the  8th.  of  June  last,  respecting 
neutral  Vessels  had  given  much  discontent  to  the 
United  States — and  that,  that  of  the  6th.  of  Novem 
ber,  and  its  results,  had  thrown  them  into  a  flame,  will 
hardly  be  news  to  you  when  you  shall  have  reed,  this 
letter.  The  subsequent  order  of  the  8th.  of  Jany.  has 
in  a  degree  allayed  the  violence  of  the  heat,  but  will  by 
no  means  satisfy  them,  without  reparation  for  the 
Spoilations  of  our  Trade  &  the  injuries  we  sustain  for 
the  non-performance  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace. 

To  effect  these,  if  possibly  by  temperate  means,  by 
fair  &  firm  negociation,  an  Envoy  extraordinary  is  ap 
pointed,  &  will,  I  expect  sail  in  a  few  days.  Mr.  Jay  is 
chosen  for  this  mission — Mr.  John  Trumbull  goes  as 
his  private  Secretary. 

Many  measures  have  been  moved  in  Congress  in  con 
sequence  of  the  above  mentioned  orders  of  the  British 
Cabinet.  Some  have  passed  into  Acts  and  others  are 
yet  pending.  Those  which  have  become  Laws  are, 
one  for  fortifying  our  principal  Sea  Ports  (which  is 
now  in  vigorous  execution)  and  another  for  raising 
an  additional  corps  of  800  artillery  men,  for  the  de 
fence  of  them,  &  for  other  purposes.  The  Bills  which 
are  pending  are  to  complete  our  present  Military 


72          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

establishment, — to  raise  an  army  of  25,000  men  in  ad 
dition  thereto, — and  to  organize — put  in  training — 
and  to  hold  in  readiness  at  a  minute's  warning,  a  Select 
Corps  of  80,000  militia.  Of  the  passing  of  the  first  & 
last  of  these  no  doubt  seems  to  be  entertained  on  either 
side  of  the  House, — but  those  who  are  fearful  of  what 
they  call  a  standing  army,  will  give  all  the  opposition 
they  can  to  the  other.  The  result  therefore  none  will 
predict,  in  the  present  stage  of  the  business. 

Besides  these  a  Bill  passed  the  house  of  Represent 
atives,  by  a  large  majority,  founded  on  the  following 
preamble  &  resolution  "whereas  the  injuries  which 
"have  been  suffered,  and  may  be  suffered  by  the 
"United  States  from  violations  committed  by  Great 
"  Britain,  on  their  neutral  Bights  &  Commercial  interests, 
"as  well  as  from  her  failure  to  execute  the  7th,  article 
"  of  the  treaty  of  Peace  render  it  expedient  for  the  inter- 
"  est  of  the  United  States,  that  the  Commercial  inter- 
"  course  between  the  two  Countries  should  not  continue 
"to  be  carried  on  in  the  extent  at  present  allowed" — 

"Resolved,  that  from  and  after  the  first  day  of 
"November  next  all  commercial  intercourse  between 
"  the  Citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Subjects  of 
"  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  or  the  Citizens  or  Subjects 
"  of  any  other  nation,  so  far  as  the  same  respects  articles 
"  of  the  growth  or  manufacture  of  G.  Britain  or  Ireland 
"shall  be  prohibited." 

This  measure  was  arrested  in  the  Senate  at  the  third 
reading,  by  the  Casting  vote  of  the  Vice  President — 
not,  as  it  is  said  and  generally  believed,  from  a  disinclina 
tion,  to  the  ulterior  expediency  of  the  measure,  but  from 
a  desire  to  try  the  effect  of  negociation  previous  thereto. 

Sequestration  of  British  property  (not  including  that 
in  the  funds)  and  other  expedients  of  a  similar  kind 
have  been  agitated  in  the  house  of  Representatives, 
but  seem  I  think  to  be  talked  off  the  Stage. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  73 

The  Packet  from  Mr.  Bartrand  to  Mr.  Jefferson  was 
forwarded  by  the  first  post  after  it  reached  my  hands. 
Mr.  Jefferson  resigned  the  Office  of  Secretary  of  State 
the  first  of  Jany. — and  was  succeeded  by  the  late 
Attorney  General  Mr.  Randolph,  whose  place  of  At 
torney  General  is  filled  by  Judge  Bradford,  of  this  State 
(Pennsylva.) 

Enclosed  I  give  you  the  trouble  of  receiving  the  Copy 
of  a  letter  which  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Arthur  Young,  by  Mr. 
William  Morris  on  the  i2th.  of  December  last.  At  the 
time  that  letter  was  written  I  had  no  knowledge  of  Mr. 
Young's  late  appointment,  as  Secretary  of  the  National 
board  of  Agriculture,  nor  of  the  change  of  his  political 
sentiments.  It  is  not  improbable  but  that  he  has  al 
ready,  or  will,  make  you  acquainted,  with  the  purport 
of  the  above  letter.  Be  this  however  as  it  may,  my 
inducement  to  send  you  a  Copy  of  it  is,  that  if  the  case 
should  be  otherwise —  if  there  appears  to  be  any  repug 
nance  on  his  part  to  Comply  with  my  wishes, — and  a 
fair  occasion  should  occur  of  mentioning  the  matter  in 
the  course  of  your  peregrinations,  through  England — 
Scotland — or  elsewhere,  &  you  see  no  impropriety  from 
Circumstances  or  your  view  of  the  subject  at  the  mo 
ment  I  should  be  glad  if  you  were  to  do  it ; — my  wish 
further  is  to  dispose  of  the  Lands,  I  have  had  restored 
to  me,  by  Mr.  de  Barth ; — and  in  short  my  settled  lands 
in  the  Western  Part  of  this  State,  in  the  Counties  of 
Fayette  &  Washington.  I  have  raised  the  price  of 
my  lands  on  the  Ohio  and  great  Kanhawa  to  twenty 
Shillings  Virga.  Currency  P.  Acre,  —  the  Tract  in 
Fayette  (about  1700  acres)  to  40, — and  that  in  Wash 
ington  to  30  Shillings  Pr.  Acre,  Pennsylvania  Currency, 
3,000  Acs. 

I  have  no  scruple  to  disclose  to  you,  that  my  motives 
to  these  sales  (as  hath  been  in  part  expressed  to  Mr. 
Young)  are  to  reduce  my  income  be  it  more  or  less  to 


74          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

specialties ;  that  the  remainder  of  my  days,  may  there 
by,  be  more  tranquil  and  free  from  cares ; — and  that  I 
may  be  enabled  (knowing  precisely  what  my  depend 
ence  is)  to  do  as  much  good  with  it  as  the  resource  will 
admit — for  altho'  in  the  estimation  of  the  world,  I 
possess  a  good  and  clear  estate,  yet  so  unproductive  is 
it,  that  I  am  oftentimes  ashamed  to  refuse  aids  which 
I  cannot  afford,  unless  I  was  to  sell  part  of  it,  to  answer 
the  purpose.  Besides  these  I  have  another  motive 
which  makes  me  earnestly  wish  for  these  things — it  is 
indeed  more  powerful  than  all  the  rest — namely  to 
liberate  a  certain  species  of  property  which  I  possess 
very  repugnantly  to  my  own  feelings;  but  which  im 
perious  necessity  compels,  and  until  I  can  substitute 
some  other  expedient,  by  which  expences,  not  in  my 
power  to  avoid  (however  well  disposed  I  may  be  to  do 
it)  can  be  defrayed. 

You  are  so  well  acquainted  with  the  situation  and 
quality  of  the  Lands  which  are  here  mentioned  for  sale, 
that  is  almost  unnecessary  for  me  to  go  more  into  de 
tail  respecting  them  with  you — those  however  on  the 
Ohio,  between  the  mouths  of  the  little  and  great  Kan- 
hawa  are  in  three  tracts,  the  first  containing  2314 
Acres, — laying  on  the  Banks  of  the  River,  about  12 
miles  below  Mariatte — the  2d. — 2448  acres  still  lower 
down  (being  the  4th.  large  bottom  on  the  East  side  of 
the  River) — and  the  3d.  on  the  same  side,  opposite  the 
great  bend  in  the  River,  containg.  4395  acres,  all  of 
which  are  of  the  first  quality.  The  lands  on  the  great 
Kanhawa  are  in  no  respect  inferior.  They  are  con 
tained  in  four  Patents ; — the  first  beginning  within  two 
miles  of  the  mouth  of  that  River  &  contains  10,990 
Acres  of  the  richest  bottom,  stretching  17  or  18  miles 
along  the  River.  The  next  of  7276  Acres,  is  a  little 
above  the  last  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  River,  &  the 
other  two  are  still  higher  up  at  the  mouth  of,  and  on 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  75 

Coal  River ;  both  are  of  the  first  quality  &  containing 
together  abt.  5,000  Acres. 

Although  it  is  my  wish  to  convert  these  Lands  into 
cash  on  the  terms  and  for  the  purposes  mentioned,  yet 
for  reasons  which  will  readily  occur  to  you,  I  would  not 
hawk  them  about  as  some  do,  if  they  were  never  to  be 
sold. 

I  wish  most  sincerely  that  some  inducement  could 
be  offered  Professor  Anderson  which  would  bring  him 
to  this  Country.  His  labours  are  certainly  ingenious, 
and  worthy  encouragement,  but  I  fear  it  will  not  be  in 
my  power  to  avail  these  States  of  them.  His  commu 
nications  however  are  under  consideration. 

Often,  through  the  medium  of  Mr.  Langdon,  we 
hear  of  your  son  Lincoln,  and  with  pleasure,  that  he 
continues  to  be  the  healthy  and  sprightly  child  he  for 
merly  was.  He  declared  if  his  ticket  should  turn  up  a 
prize,  he  would  go  and  live  in  the  Federal  City.  He 
did  not  consider,  poor  little  fellow,  that  some  of  the 
prizes  would  hardly  build  him  a  baby  house  nor  for- 
see  that  one  of  these  small  tickets  would  be  his  lot, 
having  drawn  no  more  than  ten  dollars. 

Mr.  Bl t's  Agency  in  this  lottery  will  it  is  feared 

be  more  productive  of  thorns  than  roses; — the  matter 
is  not  yet  wound  up, — and  the  Commissioners  appear 
to  be  uneasy.  In  all  other  respects  matters  as  far  as 
the  accts.  of  them  have  come  to  my  knowledge,  are 
going  on  well. 

My  public  avocations,  will  not  at  any  rate  admit  of 
more  than  a  flying  trip  to  Mount  Vernon  for  a  few  days, 
this  summer: — This  not  suiting  Mrs.  Washington,  I 
have  taken  a  house  in  Germantown,  to  avoid  the  heat 
of  this  City,  in  the  months  of  July  and  August — she, 
Nelly — and  the  rest  of  the  family,  unite  with  me  in 
every  good  wish  for  your  health  prosperity  and  safe 


76          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

return;  than  whom  none  you  may  be  assured  offers 
them  with  more  sincerity. 

With  Affection  &  regard  I  am  & 

Always  shall  be Yours. 

No.  44. 

GERMAN  TOWN,  August  28th.  1794. 

My  dear  Sir, 

It  gave  me  very  sincere  pleasure  to  find  by  your 
letter  of  the  226..  inst.  (which  by  the  by — did  not  come 
to  my  hands  'till  the  evening  of  the  26th.  not  time 
enough  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  it  by  the  Post  of 
next  day)  that  you  had  arrived  in  good  health  at 
George  Town,  with  a  valuable  Cargo,  of  Goods,  and 
that  you  had  arranged  your  business  to  your  satis 
faction  in  England,  Scotland,  &  Holland.  When  you 
shall  have  arranged  your  business  at  George  Town,  and 
business  or  inclination  may  turn  your  face  towards  the 
Eastwards,  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  add  that  to  see 
you  would  make  this  family  happy;  and  with  a  little 
roughing  on  your  part,  you  could  be  accommodated 
therein. 

If  you  have  no  accts.  later  I  have  the  pleasure  to  tell 
you,  that  by  a  letter  from  your  good  mother  to  Mrs. 
Washington,  that  she  and  little  Lincoln  were  perfectly 
well  on  the  nth.  of  this  month, — and  by  her  acct.  he 
continued  to  be  the  fine  sprightly  child  you  left  him. 

The  enclosed  though  out  of  season  now  will  serve  to 
show  that  your  letters  did  not  sleep  with  me  in  silence. 
It  went  by  Mr.  Jay,  and  was  returned  by  him  with  the 
following  papagraph,  or  letter,  dated — 
London,   230!.  June. 

"On  Sunday  the  1 5th.  of  this  month  I  arrived  here. 
"The  next  day  I  made  enquiries  for  Mr.  Lear,  and  was 
"  informed  that  he  had  gone  to  Liverpool  to  embark  for 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  77 

"America.  I  asked  whether  it  was  probable,  that 
"  letters  sent  by  the  Post  would  find  him  still  there — 
"  the  answer  was  that  it  was  highly  improbable.  Under 
"these  circumstances,  and  well  knowing  the  jealous 
"attention  now  paid  to  letters  passing  thro*  the  Post 
"  Office,  I  thought  it  most  advisable  to  forbear  making 
"the  experiment,  and  to  return  that  letter  to  you." 

The  Copy  of  my  letter  to  Mr.  Young  from  whom  I 
have  reed,  no  acknowledgment,  will  be  of  no  other  use 
to  you  now,  than  to  show  what  were  and  still  are  my 
wishes ;  that  if  any  inquiries  after,  for  back  lands  should 
be  made  in  your  presence,  you  might  be  enabled  to 
bring  mine  into  view.  The  plan  with  respect  to  my 
Mount  Vernon  Estate  I  have  no  idea  could  be  carried 
into  effect  in  this  Country. 

I  had  it  in  contemplation  to  visit  that  place  about 
the  last  of  September  or  beginning  of  Octr.  but  the  re 
bellious  conduct  of  the  people  in  the  Western  Counties 
of  this  state  renders  the  journey  uncertain,  and  may 
defeat  it  altogether. 

With  very  great  Sincerity  &  Affection 
I  am  always  Yours 

No.  45. 

GERMAN  TOWN  28th.  Augt.  1794. 

Dear  Sir, 

Mr.  Johnson  &  Doctr.  Stuart  having  resolved  to  with 
draw  themselves  as  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  City 
— and  not  to  act  after  the  meeting  which  is  proposed 
to  be  held  on  the  i$th.  of  next  month,  it  has  become 
necessary  to  appoint  two  others  in  their  places,  one 
of  whom  it  is  said  ought  to  possess  a  considerable  stock 
of  legal  abilities,  as  cases  are  frequently  occuring  to 
render  law  knowledge  necessary  for  the  purposes  of  de 
ciding  as  well  on  points  depending  thereon,  as  for  the 


78          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

draughting  of  Agreements  &  other  instruments  which 
are  requisite  in  the  progress  of  the  business. 

Mr.  Scott  (at  present  of  Baltimore)  a  gentleman 
eminent  in  the  profession  of  the  law,  a  man  of  Charac 
ter  &  fortune,  and  one  who  has  the  welfare  of  the  New 
City  much  at  heart — has  been  applied  to,  and  accepted 
the  appointed  trust.  And  if  it  is  convenient  &  agree 
able  to  you,  to  accept  also,  the  commission  will  be 
again  compleated ;  &  the  business  go  on  without  inter 
ruption,  from  and  after  the  ensuing  meeting  as  before. 

It  has  been  found  from  experience,  indispensibly 
necessary  that  the  Commissioners  should  reside  in 
the  City  (in  George  Town  would  be  tantamount)  and 
devote  by  some  arrangements  among  themselves,  much 
of  their  time  to  the  multitudinous  concerns  of  the  same ; 
— thereby  superceding  the  necessity  of  employing  a 
Superintendant.  As  the  rendering  of  such  duties  are 
not  to  be  expected  on  the  terms  the  late  Commissioners 
served  (and  two  of  them  decline  it  on  any  terms)  I 
have  now  fixed  the  Salary  for  each  at  sixteen  hundred 
dollars  P.  Annum,  and  am  obliged  to  provide  successors. 

Were  it  not  that  I  am  unwilling  to  add  any  thing 
that  might  carry  with  it,  the  appearance  of  influencing 
your  judgment,  in  the  decision  you  are  called  upon  to 
make  in  this  case,  I  should  have  expressed  a  wish  that 
it  might  be  found  convenient  for  you  to  accept  the  ap 
pointment.  If  however  you  should  find  it  incompat 
ible  with  your  other  plans  &  views,  &  should  decline  the 
acceptance — I  pray  you  to  let  me  know,  as  far  as  you 
may  be  able  to  discover,  in  how  respectable  a  light  Doctr. 
Thornton  stands,  or  would  be  considered  by  the  pro 
prietors  of  the  Federal  City  (among  whom  he  spent 
some  time  in  the  month  of  July  last).  The  Doctr.  is 
sensible  and  indefatigable  I  am  told  in  the  execution  of 
whatever  he  engages; — to  which  may  be  added,  his 
taste  for  architecture;  but  being  little  known,  doubts 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  79 

arise  on  that  head.     If  (in  case  of  your  non-accept 
ance)  any  other  person  or  persons  shd.  occur  to  you, 
as  fit    for  this  business,  be  so  good  as  to  mention 
(under  the  rose)  their  names  to  me.    The  appoint 
ment  is  necessary  &  can  be  delayed  no  longer. 
With  very  great  esteem  &  regard 
I  am  dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  46. 

GERMAN  TOWN,  3ist.  Augt.  1794. 

My  dear  Sir, 

On  the  28th.  I  wrote  you  two  letters.  In  one  of  them 
I  intended  (but  forgot  it)  to  have  made  a  request  that 
you  would  enquire  after  the  lad  that  used  to  wait  at 
Suter's  (William  I  think  his  name  was)  whose  servitude 
had  expired,  and  if  disengaged  and  his  character  good, 
as  well  as  handy,  to  engage  him  for  me  at  eight  Dollars 
P.  Month,  (with  the  other  allowances  known  to  you) 
being  what  I  am  now  obliged  to  give,  to  the  most  in 
different  set  of  servants  I  ever  had.  When  I  mention 
William  I  do  not  mean  to  confine  myself  to  him,  al 
though  his  qualifications  as  a  waiter  (the  only  light  in 
which  he  has  appeared  to  me)  to  be  very  good; — any 
other  genteel  looking  and  well  made  man  (not  a  giant 
or  dwarf)  might  answer  equally  well  perhaps,  if  sober, 
honest,  good  tempered,  and  acquainted  with  the  duties 
of  a  house  Servant,  &  footman. 

Sincerely  &  affectionately 
I  remain  Yours 

No.  47. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Deer.  i2th.  1794. 
My  dear  Sir, 
Your  letter  of  the  $th.  Inst.  and  the  receipt  for  the 


80          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

second  payment  for  the  lots  I  purchased  on  the  Eastern 
Branch,  in  the  Federal  City  came  duly  to  hand. 

You  are  perfectly  at  liberty  to  examine  my  presses 
and  Trunks  at  Mount  Vernon,  for  any  papers  I  may 
have  respecting  the  transactions  of  the  Directors  of  the 
Potomack  Compa.,  or  any  matters  and  things  which 
may  concern  the  navigation  of  that  River. 

Mrs.  Fanny  Washington  has  the  master  key  of  all 
the  others,  from  whom  you  can  get  it; — but  whether 
the  papers  you  are  in  pursuit  of  are  to  be  found  in  the 
press,  or  in  any  Trunks  I  am  unable  to  inform  you ; — 
the  keys  of  the  locked  trunks  are,  if  I  remember  rightly, 
in  my  writing  Table;  the  key  of  which  remains  in  it. 

For  many  very  important  reasons  (unnecessary  to 
enumerate  to  you)  the  navigation  of  that  River  ought 
to  be  pushed  forward  with  all  the  celerity,  which  the 
nature  of  the  work  will  admit.  Veiwing  the  matter  as 
I  do,  I  shall  not  neglect  any  fair  opportunity  of  facili 
tating  a  visit  from  Mr.  Weston  to  that  quarter — but 
(under  the  rose  I  must  say  it)  however  fair  the  assur 
ances  of  his  going  thither  may  be,  you  may  take  it  for 
granted  that  from  motives  of  jealousy  there  is  a  Counter- 
tide  to  that  measure ; — and  I  wish  you  may  not  find 
something  similar  to  it  in  another  quarter,  if  the  oper 
ations  on  the  Shannondoah  are  postponed — much 
longer.  Do  not  forget  how  the  Trade  of  Fredericksburg 
Falmouth,  Hanover  Town  on  York  River,  &  indeed 
Richmond  itself,  will  be  effected  by  the  opening  of  this 
Navigation — I  should  not  be  at  all  surprised  therefore 
if  future  applications  to  the  Assembly  of  Virga. — (if 
there  be  occasion  to  make  any)  respecting  it  should 
meet  with  much  coldness  and  difficulty. 

I  should  not  any  more  than  you,  be  disposed  to  con 
fide  in  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Claiborne's  Engineer;  nor 
(in  confidence  to  you)  to  Mr.  Claiborne  himself; — but 
as  he  speaks  in  exalted  terms  of  this  man  (for  you  must 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  81 

know  Claiborne  is  now  in  this  City  and  has  mentioned 
the  matter  also  to  me)  a  little  money  might  not  be  mis 
applied  in  obtaining  the  opinion  of  this  Engineer;  to 
see  how  far  it  would  accord  with  Mr.  Weston's — if  he 
can  be  got  there; — without,  if  he  should  follow  after, 
letting  him  know  what  that  opinion  is.  Tis  possible 
this  person  may  unite  (as  Claiborne  says  he  does)  both 
Science  &  practice.  If  so,  and  he  should  possess  other 
requisites,  he  might  be  useful.  Tryal  of,  without  a 
relyance  upon  him,  cannot  be  injurious. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Trumbull  has  once  or  twice  asked  me 
what  reply  the  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  have  made 
to  the  letter  of  his  brother  John  which  I  sent  to  them — 
be  so  good  as  to  remind  them,  or  either  of  them  wch. 
you  may  first  see  of  this  matter. 

I  am  Yours  Affectly. 

No.  48. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Deer.  i4th.  1794. 

My  dear  Sir, 

The  day  following  the  one  on  which  I  wrote  to  you 
last  your  letter  of  the  loth.  inst.  was  received. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  exceedingly  that  delegated  pow 
ers  are,  of  ten-times  so  little  regarded;  and  that  trusts 
of  an  important  nature,  the  neglect  of  which,  may  be 
attended  with  serious  consequences,  should  be  suffered 
to  sleep  in  the  hands  of  those  who  ought  to  carry  them 
into  activity.  Such  from  your  representation  appears 
to  be  the  case  of  the  Petition  which  ought  in  behalf  of 
the  Potomac  Compy.  to  have  been  laid  before  the 
Assembly  of  Virginia  in  due  Season. 

The  notice  of  the  intended  presentment  of  such 
Petitions  (which  is  required  by  law)  cannot  I  presume 
be  dispensed  with ; — and  if  there  be  any  derilection  to 
the  measures  prayed  for,  the  limitation  to  &  expira- 


82          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

tion  of  the  time  for  the  reception  of  them  will  be  urged 
as  a  plea  for  Postponement. 

The  propriety  of  my  writing  to  individual  members, 
or  even  to  the  Assembly  itself,  on  this  subject  is,  in  my 
mind,  a  matter  that  may  be  questioned ; —  but  suppos 
ing  the  case  to  be  otherwise,  I  do  not  know  who  the 
members  are ;  and  such  indeed  has  been  the  change  of 
things,  since  I  mixed  in  the  politics ;  or  much  with  the 
people  of  that  State,  (and  of  the  neighbourhood  of 
Alexandria)  that  an  entire  new  set  unknown  to  me 
personally,  are  in  the  exercise  of  the  powers  of  Govern 
ment.  To  morrow  however  I  will  communicate  this 
matter  to  Mr.  Randolph,  and  know  if  he  has  any  ac 
quaintances,  in  that  Assembly,  to  whom  he  could  intro 
duce  the  subject, — and  thereby  aid  your  personal  ex 
ertions.  'Tis  to  be  lamented  however  that  in  plain 
matters — a  little  ticklishly  circumstanced — such  haz- 
zards  (at  least  of  delay)  should  be  unnecessarily  en 
countered.  We  are  all  well,  and  join  in  best  wishes 
for  you — and  I  am 

Affectionately  Yours 

No.  49. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Deer.  2ist.  1794. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i  yth.  Inst.  was  received  Yesterday, 
— and  I  am  glad  to  find  that  an  act  of  the  Virginis  As 
sembly  has  been  obtained  for  prolonging  the  term  for 
the  completion  of  the  inland  navigation  of  the  Poto 
mac.  The  like  I  hope  has  been,  or  will  be  obtained, 
this  Season,  in  the  assembly  of  Maryland. 

A  good  opportunity  presenting  itself  on  Thursday 
last,  I  embraced  it  to  inquire  of  Mr.  Morris  if  the  Di 
rectors  of  that  Company  might  entertain  any  hope  of 
deriving  aid  from  Mr.  Wes ton's  opinion,  respecting 
the  lock  Seats  at  the  great  fall  of  that  River; — his 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  83' 

answer  was,  "Mr.  Weston,  from  some  peculiar  circum 
stances  attending  their  own  concerns,  had  been  pre- 
"  vented  from  visiting  that  spot  as  was  intended,  but 
"that  he  was  now  expected  to  be  in  this  City  in  a  few 
"days  (as  I  understood)  when  he  would  propose  and 
"urge  his  going  thither.  " 

The  plan  of  Mr.  Claiborne's  Engineer,  as  far  as  I 
understand  it  is  to  avoid  locks  altogether.  The  vessels 
are  received  into  a  Basket  or  Cradle,  and  let  down  by 
means  of  a  laver  and  pullies;  and  raised  again  by 
Weights  at  the  hinder  extremity  of  the  laver,  which 
works  on  an  axis  at  the  head  of  a  substantial  Post,  fixed 
about  the  Center  of  the  laver.  On  this  principle  but 
differently  constructed,  Mr.  Greenleafafew  months  ago 
shewed  me  a  model,  the  efficacy  of  which  he  seemed  to 
entertain  the  most  exalted  opinion.  My  doubts  of  the 
utility  of  both  arise,  first  from  the  insufficiency  of  any 
machinery  of  this  sort  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  Cradle 
when  charged  with  Water  &  a  loaded  Boat  therein; 
and  its  aptness  to  get  out  of  order  by  means  thereof ; — 
Secondly  I  do  not  find  they  are  in  general  use; — and 
thirdly — because  if  I  recollect  rightly — Mr.  Weston 
has  told  me  (but  of  this  I  am  not  certain)  that  no 
method  of  raising  and  lowering  boats  had  been  found 
equal  to  that  of  locks — still,  as  I  observed  in  my  last,  I 
should  be  for  hearing  the  opinions  &  explanations  of 
any  and  every  scientific  and  practical  character  that 
could  be  easily  got  at,  on  the  subject: — &  therefore 
would  hear  Claiborne's  Engineer  as  well  as  Mr. 
Weston; — especially  as  he  professes  to  be  particularly 
well  skilled  in  the  application  of  steam,  in  propelling 
Boats  (in  an  easy  and  cheap  manner)  against  the 
Stream ; — and  in  conducting  of  Water  to  Cities,  or  for 
any  other  purpose  whatsoever. 

The  Bill  you  allude  to  has  not  passed  nor  do  I  know 
what  shape  it  will  take  if  it  does ; — &  therefore  can  say 


84          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

nothing  more  on  the  subject  at  this  time,  than  that, 
there  will  be  no  precipitancy,  in  engaging  either  the 
Agent  or  the  means  of  carrying  the  law  into  effect,  if 
the  measure  which  I  have  recommended  should  be 
adopted ;  with  the  importance  of  it  I  am  strongly  im 
pressed;  consequently  if  any  thing  should  be  required 
of  the  president  towards  carrying  of  it  into  execution, 
I  shall  feel  it  in  a  particular  manner,  my  duty  to  set  it 
a  going  under  the  most  favorable  auspices. 

I  now  have  and  for  some  considerable  time  have  had 
twenty  five  Hhds.  Tobo.  in  the  Ware  houses  in  Al 
exandria,  which  at  some  times  I  have  forgot,  and  at 
other  times  have  been  indisposed  to  take  the  prices 
which  were  given  for  Potomac  Tobo.  on  the  Virginia 
side.  Originally  this  Tobacco  was  of  the  best  sort — put 
up  dry — &  the  quality  of  it  reported  to  be  exceedingly 
good.  If  the  latter  is  the  case  still,  it  will  in  some  re- 
pects,  and  for  some  purposes,  have  the  advantage  of 
New  Tabacco ;  but  what  to  do  with  it  I  know  not.  In 
Alexandria  it  might  not  bring  me  i8/  P.  Hundred 
Wt. — when  in  George  Town  (I  mean  in  the  ware  houses 
in  these  places)  it  might  bring  a  guinea.  I  have 
thought,  but  whether  it  will  be  practicable  to  accom 
plish  it  without  difficulty  I  am  unable  to  decide,  that 
if  the  Tobo.  could  be  removed  from  the  Ware  houses 
in  which  it  now  is,  to  those  in  George  Town  &  be  rein- 
spected  at  the  latter,  that  I  might  be  a  considerable 
gainer  by  it.  But  admitting  that  this  can  be  done 
without  encountering  impediments  which  might  in 
volve  inconveniencies ;  or  that  would  excite  notice  or 
remark,  neither  of  which  I  should  incline  to  subject 
myself  to,  it  would  be  previously  necessary  to  know 
whether  the  Tobacco  would  pass  at  the  latter  place, 
for  if  it  should  be  brought  there  and  be  condemned,  I 
should  lose  the  whole  and  sustain  an  expence  besides, — 
whereas  in  its  present  situation,  it  will  I  presume  com- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  85 

mand  the  price  current  in  Alexandria.  If  the  sug 
gestion  here  mentioned  can  be  accomplished  (without 
involving  the  consequencies  expressed  above)  the  best 
expedient  that  occurs  to  me  to  effect  it,  is  under  the 
idea  of  its  being  purchased  by,  or  rather  offered  for 
sale  to  a  Maryland  Merchant,  to  have  it  re-examined 
where  it  is  in  presence  of  the  George  Town  Inspectors 
who  would  be  paid  for  their  attendance,  &  who  should 
declare  to  the  supposed  purchaser  whether  they  would 
pass  it  were  it  brought  to  the  Ware  houses  in  George 
Town.  If  in  the  affirmative,  and  there  is  no  other  im 
pediment  to  the  measure,  the  whole  business  might  be 
easily  accomplished  by  the  removal,  reinspection,  & 
issuing  new  notes,  either  in  my  name  or  that  of  the 
supposed  purchaser; — the  last  of  which  for  several 
reasons  I  think  would  have  the  best  appearance. 
Whether  this  project  can  be  carried  into  execution  or 
not  is  to  me  uncertain  but  to  avoid  delay  and  in  order 
to  enable  you  to  do  it  if  it  shall  be  thought  eligable,  I 
send  you  the  Notes  for  this  purpose,  and  to  know  what 
the  Tobacco  would  sell  for  where  it  is,  if  it  be  not 
eligable  to  remove  it — they  may  be  kept  or  returned 
according  to  circumstances.  In  the  Ware  houses  at 
George  Town  I  have  or  ought  to  have  by  this  time, 
9000  Ibs.  of  Crop  Tobo. — as  you  will  perceive  by  the 
enclosed  letter  to  me  from  Colo.  Deakins,  the  price  of 
this  also. 

I  return  Doctr.  Currie's  letter  with  thanks  for  the 
perusal  of  it.  The  picture  drawn  in  it  of  the  state  of 
things  in  his  own  Counry,  and  the  details  wch.  he  gives 
of  those  of  the  Belligerient  powers  are  gloomy  for 
them  indeed.  All  here  are  well,  and  all  join  in  best 
regards  for  you,  with — Dear  Sir,  Your  Affectionate 

P.  S. 

I  have  sought  in  vain  for  the  Tobacco  notes  men- 


86          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

tioned  in  the  body  of  this  letter.  Presuming  I  must 
have  sent  them  to  Mr.  Pearce — but  of  the  doing  it  I 
have  no  recollection — I  have  directed  him  by  this  Post 
if  he  has  them  to  forward  them  to  you. 

No.  50. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Deer.  22nd.  1794. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Looking  into  an  old  porte  folio  which  I  had  not  seen 
this  many  a  day,  I  found  the  papers  which  accompany 
this  note,  relative  to  the  River  Potomack.  I  do  not 
know  that  any  of  them  will  be  useful  to  you;  but  as 
well  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  them  together,  as  to  af 
ford  you  an  opportunity  of  deciding  for  yourself,  they 
are  now  forwarded  to  you. 

I  also  send  you  the  sketch  which  has  been  presented 
to  me  by  Mr.  Claiborne,  of  the  New  Method  of  low 
ering  and  raising  boats,  without  locks.  It  will  convey 
a  better  Idea  than  my  description  of  it  in  the  letter  of 
Yesterday  was  capable  of  doing,  &  for  that  reason  it 
is  forwarded. 

I  am  Your  Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  51. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Jany.  gth.  1795. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  ist.  Inst.  has  been  received,  but 
not  soon  after  the  date  of  it  as  might  have  been  ex 
pected,  &  not  recollecting  in  time  that  this  was  Post 
day  for  the  Southward,  I  shall  confine  myself  to  a 
single  point;  namely,  to  inform  you  as  I  have  been 
informed  myself,  that  in  a  late  meeting  of  the  Canal 
Company  of  this  State  permission  was  given  to  Mr. 
Weston  to  visit  the  lock  seats  at  the  great  falls  of  Poto- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  87 

mac,  and  that  he  might  be  expected  there  about  the 
first  of  next  month. 

I    am    Your    Affecte 

No.   52. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Jany    i2th.  1795. 
My  dear  Sir, 

On  Friday  last  I  wrote  you  a  few  lines  and  assigned 
reasons  for  not  writing  more  fully. 

In  addition  to  what  I  then  said,  which  was  only  to 
inform  you,  that  permission  had  been  given  by  the 
Canal  Compy.  of  this  state  for  Mr.  Weston  to  visit  the 
falls  of  Potomac,  and  that  he  might  be  expected  at  the 
Federal  City  about  the  first  of  next  month,  I  shall  no 
tice  with  concern — it  being  contrary  to  the  heretofore 
entertained  opinion — that  the  funds  for  carrying  on 
navigation  are  from  your  view  of  them  likely  to  fall 
short  ^10,000  Stg.  of  the  object. 

What  expedient  had  best  be  adopted  for  suppyling 
the  deficiency  will  merit  serious  consideration  under 
existing  Circumstances.  On  an  abstract  of  the  Case, 
I  should  give  it  as  my  opinion,  without  hesitation,  that 
the  present  sharers  ought  to  continue  their  advances 
till  the  final  completion ; — &  for  this  plain  &  interesting 
reason,  (with  me)  that  no  speculation  to  which  money 
can  be  applied  will  be  more  productive,  with  so  much 
honour,  and  so  little  risque.  But  how  far  the  majority 
of  the  Company  (many  of  whom  probably  never  be 
stowed  a  thought  on  the  Subject)  may  be  of  this  senti 
ment  ;  or  how  far  their  inclinations  and  abilities  might 
induce  the  adoption  of  the  measure  if  they  were  is  not 
for  me  to  decide — and  as  individuals  of  the  Company 
will  be  as  free  as  others  to  become  purchasers  if  the 
shares  are  increased,  it  does  not  appear  to  be  a  matter 
of  much  moment  which  of  these  modes  is  prefered,  or 
whether  by  loan  if  the  money  is  to  be  obtained. 


88          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

No  doubt  remains  in  my  mind  of  what  will  be  the 
productiveness  of  the  tolls  when  the  navigation  is  in 
full  operation.  To  the  best  of  my  recollection  they 
were  calculated  to  amount  (at  the  time  of  passing  the 
acts  of  incorporation)  to  15  P.  Cent  on  the  Capital,  by 
an  estimate  that  was  then  made  of  the  several  articles 
which  from  their  contiguity  to  the  River  it  was  known 
would  be  Water  borne.  Since  that  period  the  pop 
ulation  of  the  Counties  bordering  on  the  Potomac  &  of 
course  the  produce  arising  therefrom  has  encreased 
greatly,  and  when  the  Shenendoah  is  added  thereto 
(which  formed  no  part  of  the  Original  estimate)  it  must 
equal  the  most  sanguine  expectation. 

Mr.  Claiborne's  Engineers  (for  it  seems  he  has  two 
for  different  purposes)  are  fixed  in  this  City,  either  of 
which  according  to  the  use  for  which  you  want  one, 
might  be  had  at  any  time,  but  as  I  am  not  strongly  im 
pressed  with  a  belief  that  men  of  eminence  would  come 
to  this  Country  in  the  manner,  and  under  the  circum 
stances,  they  have  done  (but  this  I  say  without  having 
knowledge  of  the  real  characters  of  the  gentlemen,  & 
without  design  to  injure  them)  might  it  not  be  politic 
to  obtain  the  opinion  of  the  most  competent  of  them, 
before  Mr.  Weston  (who  is  known  to  be  a  Scientific  & 
experienced  Engineer)  gives  his?  He  will  not  adopt 
their  opinion  contrary  to  his  experience  &  judgment; 
but  if  his  opinion  is  first  taken  and  transpires,  it  may 
be  given  into  by  them  from  the  want  of  these  in  them 
selves,  endeavoring  thereby  to  erect  a  character  on  his 
foundation. 

I  am  much  obliged  by  the  trouble  of  your  enquiries 
respecting  my  Tobacco  in  the  Ware  houses  at  Alexan 
dria  &  George  Town,  and  as  the  disposal  of  it  is  some 
what  out  of  my  way  at  present  and  in  truth  is  a  mat 
ter  that  rarely  occurs  to  me,  except  when  I  am 
reminded  of  it  by  Mrs.  Washington,  you  would  add 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  89 

to  the  favor  by  making  sale  of  it,  on  such  terms  and 
whensoever  in  your  judgmt.  the  moment  is  favorable. 
I  am  in  no  hurry  nor  under  any  necessity  to  pre 
cipitate  the  Sale,  &  to  your  judgment  also  it  is  left,  to 
continue  where  it  is  or  to  remove  the  Tobacco  from 
Alexandria  to  George  Town.  We  are  all  tolerable  well 
&  join  in  good  wishes  &  the  Compliments  of  the  Season 
to  you.  With  regard  &  affection 

I  am  always  Yours 

No.  53. 

PHILADELPHIA,  i8th.  Feby.  1795. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i3th.  Inst.  came  to  me  yesterday — 
previous  to  which  your  other  letters  of  the  24th.  &  3oth. 
Ulto.  had  been  duly  received. 

About  a  fortnight  ago  I  saw  &  spoke  to  Mr.  Weston 
myself  respecting  his  visit  to  the  falls  of  Potomac,  and 
wished  if  he  was  able  that  he  would  name  the  time  he 
would,  or  expected,  to  be  there.  He  answered  about 
the  last  of  the  month.  That  he  had  to  return  first  to 
Lebanon  (near  to  which  they  are  digging  the  Canal  be 
tween  the  Waters  of  Susquehanna  &  Schuylkill)  and 
should  proceed  from  thence.  As  it  is  more  than  prob 
able  than  his  rout  will  be  by  the  way  of  Carlisle — 
Shippensburgh,  —  Chambersburgh,  and  Hagerstown, 
above  the  mountain, — or  if  not  by  that  course,  it  will 
be  through  York  &  Frederick  Town  below  it ; — and  in 
either  case  that  he  will  return  by  Baltimore,  it  is  to  be 
regretted  (as  in  a  former  letter  you  expressed  a  wish 
that  he  should  see  the  Shannondoah  near  its  conflyence 
with  the  Potomack)  that  some  previous  arrangement 
could  not  have  been  made  for  the  purpose  of  meeting 
him  at  or  near  the  spot  you  wished  him  to  view  above. 
This  for  many  reasons  I  could  not  propose  nor  had  I  an 
opportunity  of  doing  it  admitting  the  propriety  of  the 


90          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

measure,  as  it  was  on  a  public  day  (in  what  is  called  the 
Levee  Room)  and  just  as  he  was  leaving  the  City  that 
I  saw  him.  Some  embarrassments  respecting  the  busi 
ness  of  the  Canal  Companies  in  this  State  brought  and 
detained  him  here  longer  than  was  expected; — but 
this  circumstance  was  unknown  to  me  until  the  moment 
of  his  departure,  otherwise  I  should  have  seen  him 
sooner,  and  would  have  conversed  more  fully  with  him 
on  his  proposed  visit.  To  his  detention  here  may  be 
ascribed  his  not  being  with  you  at  an  earlier  day  than 
is  now  thought  of. 

Much  has  been  said  of  late  of  the  inclined  plain  in 
Connecticut  River,  of  the  utility  of  it  I  mean; — It 
would  be  well,  I  think,  to  question  Mr.  Weston  pretty 
fully  on  this  mode  of  raising  and  lowering  Boats,  as 
the  simplicity,  cheapness,  and  effect  is  the  subject  of 
Eulogium — deservedly  or  not,  I  shall  not  undertake 
to  pronounce. 

The  family  are  all  well.  Betcy  &  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Peter, 
left  this  on  Monday  morning  for  New  York  to  return  on 
Saturday.  Mrs.  Washington  &  the  other  two  join  me 
in  every  good  wish  for  you  and 

I  am  sincerely  &  affectionately 

Yours 

No.  54. 

PHILADELPHIA,  March  4th.  1795. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  23d.  Ulto. came  duly  to  hand.  The 
letters  which  I  write  to  acquaintances,  or  friends,  are 
done  at  no  great  expence  of  time  or  thought  They 
are  off  hand  productions,  with  little  attention  to  compo 
sition  or  correctness;  and  even  under  these  circum 
stances  are  rarely  attempted  when  they  interfere  with 
my  public  duties. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  91 

9 

From  what  you  have  written  and  from  what  I  have 
heard  from  others,  I  hope  Mr.  Weston  is  on  the  Poto- 
mack  'ere  this ;  and  that  much  benefit  may  be  expected 
from  the  visit.  He  is  certainly  a  judicious  man ; — with 
both  theory  and  Practice  united.  I  am  pleased  to  hear 
that  the  Locks  which  have  been  erected  at  the  little 
falls  have  stood  the  test  of  a  first  trial  so  well; — and 
this  pleasure  will  be  increased  if  Mr.  Weston  should 
make  a  favorable  report  of  them. 

An  unlucky  dispute  has  happened,  or  is  likely  to  hap 
pen,  I  find  between  the  present  Commissioners — and 
Mr.  Johnson  (one  of  the  old  set).  These  things  under 
any  view  in  which  they  can  be  placed,  are  extremely 
unpleasant,  &  are  rendered  more  so,  when  they  are 
brought  before  me.  The  points  in  dispute  have  not 
come  before  me  in  detail — the  main  one  I  am  told  is, 
whether  the  lots  adjoining  Rock  Creek  above  the  Stone 
Bridge,  come  under  the  description  of  Water  lotts;  and 
would  be  so  construed  in  the  contract  between  the  for 
mer  Commissioners  &  Mr.  Greenleaf.  From  what  I 
have  learnt  it  is  a  question  of  some  magnitude,  in  as 
much  as  establishing  a  principle  applicable  to  that  case, 
will  have  an  extensive  effect  in  favour  of  or  adverse  to 
the  public  property  in  the  City.  This  being  the  case 
let  me  ask  you  to  collect  the  Sentiments  of  the  judicious 
about  you  in  the  City  &  in  George  Town,  as  far  as  it  is 
to  be  drawn  from  casual  (at  least  not  from  forced)  con 
versation  respecting  the  dispute,  and  to  inform  me 
thereof.  You  will  readily  perceive  that  it  is  for  my 
own  and  private  information  my  request  to  you  pro 
ceeds  : — both  the  request  and  answer  to  it,  will  then  of 
course  be  confined  to  ourselves. 
With  affectionate  regard 

I  am  Your  Sincere  friend 


92          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

No.  55. 

PHILADELPHIA,  i7th.  May  1795. 
Dear  Sir, 

About  the  sum  which  is  due  to  me  from  your  House, 
I  owe  the  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  City ; — let  me 
request  you  therefore  to  ascertain — pay — and  transmit 
the  acct.  thereof  to  me.  If  in  doing  this  the  balance 
shall  be  against  me,  it  shall  be  paid  to  your  order — 
if  in  my  favor,  let  it  remain  there  till  called  for. 
I  am  Your  Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  56. 

PHILADELPHIA,  25th.  May,   1795. 
My  dear  Sir, 

In  due  course  of  the  Post  I  have  been  favored  with 
your  letters  of  the  i7th.  Inst.  from  Baltimore  and  2oth. 
from  George  Town; — and  thank  you  for  the  informa 
tion  contained  in  both. 

Enclosed  I  send  you  what  money  I  had  by  me  of 
my  private  funds ; — and  an  order  on  the  Bank  of  Al 
exandria  for  all  I  have  there.  Both  of  which  sums  I 
pray  you  to  lay  out  in  the  purchase  of  Stock  in  that 
Bank — or  the  Bank  of  Columbia — or  in  both,  as  from 
circumstances,  and  the  information  you  may  possess 
at  the  moment,  you  shall  deem  most  advisable  and 
advantageous. 

The  sum  enclosed  is  nine  hundred  and  sixty  dollars, 
in  notes  of  the  United  States  Bank.  The  sum  in  the 
Bank  of  Alexandria  amounts,  according  to  the  infor 
mation  given  me  by  Mr.  Pearce,  to  three  thousand 
four  hundred  and  thirty  Dollars  &  sixty  seven  Cents. 
But  be  it  more  or  less,  the  order  embraces  it.  With 
my  sincere  esteem  &  regard  I  am 

Dear  Sir 

Yr.  Affecte.  friend 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  93 

Bank  Notes  Dolls. 

5  of  100  dollars  each  ....    500 

2  of  50  100 

18  of  10  180 

36  of  5  180 

960 

No.  57. 

PHILADELPHIA,  4th.  June,  1795. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  26th.  and  29th.  Ulto.  have  been 
duly  received,  but  not  adverting  in  time  that  the  Post 
returned  on  Wednesday  I  could  not  answer  the  latter 
until  this  day. 

I  pray  you  to  continue  your  purchases  in  either  of 
the  Banks  of  Alexandria  or  Columbia ;  or,  both ;  as  you 
shall  deem  best; — so  far  as  the  appropriated  sums  in 
your  hands  belonging  to  me  (to  which  add  the  three 
thousand  dollars  received  from  Doctr.  Stuart)  will  go. 
In  doing  this,  let  the  call  for  ten  dollars  on  each  share 
purchased  in  the  Bank  of  Columbia  be  included; — be 
cause  until  I  receive  payment  for  some  land  which  I 
have  sold,  or  the  Cash  for  my  flour,  &c. — which  is  not 
yet  due,  I  shall  not  have  it  in  my  power  to  apply  a 
further  sum  to  this  use. 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  hear  that  the  public 
buildings  are  going  on  briskly — and  that  persons  from 
the  Southward  (for  I  believe  it  is  the  first  instance  be 
yond  a  single  lot  or  so)  are  becoming  adventures  in  the 
Federal  City — with  a  view  to  improvements. 

I  am  clearly  in  sentiment  with  you  (and  the  Com 
missioners  know  it)  that  if  the  business  can  proceed 
without  limping  that  the  lots  which  belong  to  the 
public  ought  to  be  held  up,  except  single  ones  or  a 


94          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Square  at  most  and  those  only  to  be  disposed  of  on  the 
express  condition  of  improvement. 

The  Senators  are  beginning  to  assemble.  By  Mon 
day  (the  day  appointed  for  their  meeting)  it  is  pre 
sumed  they  will  all  be  here,  as  some  of  the  most  distant 
are  already  on  the  ground.  The  members  of  this 
family  are  all  well  &  join  in  best  wishes  for  you  with 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte. 

No.  58. 

PHILADELPHIA,  isth.  June,  1795. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  3d.  &  4th.  Inst.  (in  the  date  of  the 
latter  I  presume  there  is  a  mistake)  with  several  Ac 
counts  enclosed  in  the  first,  have  been  duly  received; 
as  was  the  certificate  of  the  Shares,  which  was  bought 
in  the  Banks  of  Alexandria  &  Columbia  on  my  behalf. 

Your  preference  of  the  former  for  the  appropriation 
of  the  balance  which  remain  in  your  hands,  is  accord 
ant  with  my  ideas;  and  unless  you  have  very  good 
reasons  to  believe  that  the  shares  may  be  had  at  par  by 
delaying  the  purchase  of  them,  it  might  be  as 'well  per 
haps  to  buy  at  the  prices  now  going  (especially  if  the 
overplus  will  meet  compensation  in  the  dividends)  as 
to  await  for  a  fall. 

Being  hurried  I  shall  only  add  the  good  wishes  of  this 
family  to  my  own,  and  assure  you  of  the  sincere  esteem 
&  regard  with  which  I  am 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  Affecte.  friend 

No.  59. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  5th.  Augt.  1795. 
My  dear  Sir, 

It  is  my  intention  at  present  to  be  in  George  Town 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  95 

to  morrow,  but  as  I  have  been  sending  to  the  Post 
Office  in  Alexandria,  every  day  since  Friday  last  for 
letters,  without  having  reed,  any  from  the  officers  of 
Government;  and  may  by  this  day's  mail  find  such  an 
accumulation  of  them,  as  to  make  it  impracticable  for 
me  to  give  them  proper  attention,  prepare  answers 
against  Saturday  morning — and  be  on  business  in 
George  Town  at  the  same  time;  I  now  send  you  a 
power  of  Attorney  to  act  for  me  (if  I  should  not  be 
there)  in  the  latter  case.  In  haste  I  am 

Your  Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  60. 

PHILADELPHIA,  2d.  Novr.  1795. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  i9th.& — Ulto.  came  duly  to  hand, 
and  I  expected  'ere  this  to  have  been  decisive  upon  the 
contents  of  them; — but  the  case  being  otherwise,  I 
shall  postpone  writing  fully  to  you  until  the  next  or 
another  Post. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  however  briefly  to  observe  that 
Colo.  Rochfontain  (being  in  this  City)  was  asked  how 
it  came  to  pass,  as  he  had  seen  the  site  at  the  conflu 
ence  of  the  two  Rivers  Potomac  &  Shanandoah,  he  had 
made  no  mention  of  it  in  his  general  Report?  His 
answer  was,  there  was  no  ground  on  which  convenient 
buildings  could  be  placed,  and  assigned  other  reasons 
in  a  written  report,  which  he  made.  But  since  the  re 
ceipt  of  your  last,  with  a  letter  from  Genl.  Darke  to 
the  Secretary  of  War — I  have  suggested  his  going  there 
again  in  order  to  view  the  ground  more  accurately. 
This,  if  nothing  more  pressing  shall  require  his  attend 
ance  in  another  quarter,  will  be  the  case.  I  shall  de 
fer  therefore  saying  any  thing  further  on  the  subject 
»-till  the  matter  is  decided.  If  the  Colo,  goes  at  all,  he 


96          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

will  probably  pass  through  George  Town,  and  if  it  could 
be  made  convenient  for  Col.  Gilpin  (who  understands 
the  nature  and  application  of  water  well)  and  yourself 
to  accompany  him — advantages,  I  am  persuaded, 
would  result  from  the  journey.  One  of  the  Colo's,  ob 
jections  to  this  site  is  that  no  water  work  (on  acct.  of 
freshets)  would  be  safe  there.  These  lands,  however 
considering  the  reservations  of  the  Ferries,  buildings 
&c.  will  come  much  higher  than  I  had  any  idea  of. 

If  you  have  not  already  agreed  for  the  rent  of  my 
house  in  Alexandria  @  Sixty  pounds  Pr.  Annum,  I 
wish  this  sum  might  be  compared  with  other  rents,  be 
fore  it  is  fixed  on.  I  was  told  by  several  as  I  passed 
through  Alexandria,  that  I  might  readily  dispose  of 
the  lot,  if  I  was  so  inclined,  for  £1200 : — Sixty  pounds 
rent  would  only  be  an  interest  of  5  P.  Cent — which  is 
inadequate  for  house  rent. 

Give  my  love  to  Fanny  &  the  children,  in  which  Mrs. 
Washington  joins,  and  be  assured  of  the  sincere  esteem 
&  regard  of — Dear  Sir 

Yr.  Affecte. 

No.  61. 

PHILADELPHIA,  3oth.  Novr.  1795. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  iyth.  Inst.  came  safe  to  hand,  but 
not  before  the  26th. 

I  intended  to  have  written  to  you  by  Colo.  Roch- 
fontaine — but  he  went  off  unknown  to  me.  Upon  a 
second  view  of  the  site,  at  the  Conflux  of  the  Rivers 
Potomac  &  Shenandoah,  with  the  explanations  he  will 
receive  from  Colo.  Gilpin  &  yourself,  I  hope  and  expect 
the  advantages  of  that  spot,  will  strike  him  more  favor 
able  than  was  indicated  in  his  reports — and  that  some 
thing  will  be  decided  upon  with  precision. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  97 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  that  I  learn  from  your  letters, 
that  the  River  between  the  Great  and  Little  falls  has 
been  so  much  improved  this  fall,  and  that  the  prospect 
of  getting  some  of  the  new  Shares  subscribed  for  by  the 
Maryland  assembly  is  so  good ; — I  wish  as  good  a  dis 
position  may  be  found  in  the  other  assembly: — but 
above  all  that  your  means  would  enable  you  to  pro 
ceed  vigorously  to  the  improvement  of  the  Navigation 
of  the  Shenandoah  River ; — f or  that  is  the  Source  from 
whence  the  wealth  of  the  City  is  to  be  derived. 

If  the  Directors  are  in  want  of  such  a  character,  as 
the  enclosed  letter  describes,  it  may  be  well  to  intimate 
it  as  soon  as  possible ;  as  it  is  not  likely  that  Mr.  Myers 
will  remain  long  unemployed,  as  lock  navigation  is 
contemplated  in  many  parts  of  this  Country.  I  have 
not  seen  the  Gentleman  myself,  but  understand  from 
others  that  his  testimonials  are  full  &  ample,  &  that  he 
is  a  stout  &  healthy  man. 

Your  opening  Mr.  Maury's  letter  to  me  was  a  thing 
of  necessity,  and  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  having  done 
so ;  and  for  the  steps  you  took  consequent  thereupon— 
&  for  sending  the  goods  to  Mount  Vernon. 

If  I  cannot  get  a  full  rent  for  my  house  in  Alexan 
dria,  I  must  be  content  with  what  it  will  fetch,  and 
that    without    delay;    otherwise    (the    cold    weather 
approaching)  the  inclosures  will   be   torn   down   for 
firing,  if  no  other  damage  is  sustained  from  its  being  left 
unoccupied.     My  love  to  Fanny  &  children. 
I  am  always,  &  Sincerely 
Your  affectionate 

P.  S. 

I  will  send  to  and  have  a  little  conversation  with  Mr. 
Myers  and  give  you  the  result  in  my  next. 


98          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

No.  62. 

PHILADELPHIA,  2d.  Deer.  1795. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Since  writing  to  you  on  Monday  I  have  seen  &  con 
versed  with  Mr.  Myers;  who  is  desirous  of  employment, 
and  of  removing  from  this  place, — which  (having  a 
pretty  large  family)  he  finds  very  expensive.  He  pro 
fesses  to  understand  perfectly  the  various  matters  set 
forth  in  the  card  I  enclosed  you  in  my  last ; — and  was 
employed  according  to  his  own  acct.  in  the  Lancashire 
navigation  in  England,  until  the  call  for  Soldiers  took 
away  most  of  the  hands.  This  circumstance,  added 
to  a  desire  to  fix  his  fortunes  in  America,  where  he  has 
some  property  in  Land,  and  his  wife  is  a  native, 
induced  him  to  embark  for  this  Country. 

He  disapproves  of  Locks,  made  of  wood  but  under 
stands  them  in  all  their  parts.  He  is  healthy  in  ap 
pearance,  stout  &  Robust,  and  of  a  good  humored  counte 
nance.  He  professes  to  be  moderate  in  his  expecta 
tions;  and  willing  to  put  himself  upon  trial  a  Year;  the 
Wages  to  be  fixed  at  the  end  of  it.  He  gave  me  to 
understand  however  that  at  the  Lancashire  Works  he 
reed,  three  hundred  guineas  a  year  and  some  small  per 
quisites; — and  added  that  compensations  were  very 
much  governed,  by  the  prices  of  necessaries,  &  the 
expence  of  living. 

I  told  him  that  I  would  write  by  this  day's  post,  and 
by  that  of  Thursday  of  next  week,  such  an  answer 
might  be  received,  as  to  enable  him  to  decide  upon  the 
eligibility  of  his  waiting  upon  the  Directors  for  further 
explanations. 

I  do  not  write  formally  otherwise  I  should  have  di 
rected  this  letter  to  the  board ;  but  as  you  can  easily 
consult  the  members  of  it, —  it  would  be  well  to  express 
their  sence  on  the  contents  of  it.  Nor  do  I  mean  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  99 

give  any  opinion  of  my  own  on  the  subject ;  as  the  Di 
rectors  know  better  than  I  do,  in  what  train  the  affairs 
of  the  Company  is, —  &  what  their  wants  are.  All  that 
I  shall  say  is,  that  if  Mr.  Myers  really  understands  all  he 
professes,  particularly  that  of  Lock  navigation,  he  will 
not  be  long  without  applications  in  abundance,  espe 
cially  as  the  members  of  Congress  are  now  assembling 
from  all  parts  of  the  U.  States. 

Whatever  you  chuse  should  be  said  to  Mr.  Myers,  let 
it  be  comprised  in  a  letter  to  me,  or  him,  as  you  please, 
if  to  me  I  shall  put  it  into  his  hands,  that  there  may  be 
no  misunderstanding  of  the  sentiments.  Give  my  love 
to  Fanny  &  the  children  &  believe  me  to  be 

Your  affecte. 
No.  63. 

PHILADELPHIA,  25th.  Deer.  1795. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  several  letters  relative  to  the  state  of  the  ap 
plications  to  the  assemblies  of  Maryland  &  Virginia  on 
the  business  of  the  Potomac  Company,  and  the  result 
thereof,  have  been  duly  received. 

The  last  dated  the  2ist.  I  directed  Mr.  Dandridge 
to  show  to  Mr.  Myers  (knowing  the  suspence  in  which 
he  was  held)  and  to  add,  that  if  upon  the  strength  of 
the  information  therein,  he  inclined  to  visit  the  Direct 
ors,  I  would  give  him  a  line  of  introduction.  This  com 
munication  produced  the  enclosed  letter  from  him: — 
but  Mr.  Dandridge  having  expressed  no  more,  than  he 
was  directed  to  do,  there  is  no  commitment. 

I  mention  this  because  the  letter  of  Mr.  Myers  seems 
to  imply  more;  and  as  much  depends  upon  the  skill, 
industry  &  other  qualifications  of  an  Engineer,  or  per 
son  employed  in  such  a  work,  that  you  may  examine 
him  critically  yourselves ;  for  it  is  proper  I  should  ob 
serve,  that  I  have  no  other  knowledge  of  Mr.  Myer's 


TOO        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

fitness,  than  what  is  derived  from  his  own  acct — & 
some  papers  which  he  has  shown,  but  which  I  had  not 
leisure  to  examine  correctly. 

The  post  hour  having  arrived,  I  have  only  time  to 
add,  that  we  are  all  well — &  join  in  affectionate  regards 
to  you  &  yours. 

Yours  always 

No.  64. 

PHILADELPHIA,  26th.  Deer.  1795. 
Dear  Sir, 

This  letter  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Capt.  Myers,  of 
whom  I  have  made  mention  in  a  former  letter. 

Being  desirous  of  knowing  whether  the  directors  of 
the  Potomac  Company  are  disposed  to  employ  him  as 
an  engineer  &  Superintendant  of  their  lock  navigation, 
and  on  what  terms,  he  has  resolved  to  wait  on  them  for 
those  purposes. 

The  tes  imonials  of  his  skill  as  an  Architect,  and  of 
his  knowledge  relative  to  Locks,  &c.  will  I  presume  be 
presented  to  you.  These  with  such  further  inquiries 
as  prudence  may  induce  you  to  make,  will  enable  you 
to  decide  on  your  measures,  and  thereby  place  Capt. 
Myers  on  the  ground  of  Certainty.  With  great  esteem 
&  regard  I  am  dear  sir 

Your  Affecte.  Servt. 

P.  S. 

Since  this  letter  has  been  written,  yours  of  the  23d. 
has  been  reed.  &  shown  to  Capt.  Myers. 

PHILADELPHIA  i5th  Feby  1796. 
MR.  TOBIAS  LEAR 
My  dear  Sir, 

On  thursday  last  I  reed  your  letter  of (now  in 

the  hands  of  Colo  Pickering  &  date  not  remembered.) 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  101 

The  business  relative  to  the  arsenal  at  the  mouth  of 
Shenandoah,  has  been  shamefully  neglected: — and 
(but  under  the  rose  I  make  the  Observation)  I  fear  with 
design; — for  I  was  continually  reminding  the  ojncer 
whose  duty  it  was  to  carry  the  measure  into  effect,"  bi: 
the  improvident  delay;  and  about  a  fortnight  altdr 
finding  the  matter  remained  in  Statu  quo.,  I  gave  a 
peremptory  order  for  the  execution :  And  was  informed 
since  by  the  Gentleman,  that  he  had  written  to  you 
on  the  subject. — How  it  comes  to  pass  that  you 
should  be  ignorant  of  this  at  the  date  of  your  letter, — 
there  being  sufficient  time  for  the  receipt  of  the  former, 
is  somewhat  mysterious.  Allowances  ought  unques 
tionably  to  be  made  for  the  multiplied  duties  of  two 
offices,  which  were  discharged  by  one  person, — but  the 
footing  of  which  this  business  stood,  and  my  frequent 
enquiries  into  it — ought  to  have  produced  more  prompt 
ness  in  the  Execution.  I  hope  no  change  in  Price  will 
force  a  Change  of  Place ; — And  that  the  thing  will  go 
on  as  if  no  delay  had  hapned. 

I  am  very  glad  to  find  that  the  affairs  of  the  poto- 
mack  Company,  are  in  so  promising  a  train,  and  wish 
Capt  Myres'  may  prove  an  acquisition  in  the  super in- 
tendance  of  them. 

I  pray  you  to  let  me  have  a  statement  of  my  account 
with  you; — and  for  informing  me  precisely  what  Shares 
I  hold  in  the  Banks  of  Alexandria  &  Columbia.  My 
love  to  Fanny  &  the  Children  And  with  very  great 
esteem  &  regard  I  remain 

Your  affecte  friend  &  Servt 

Go  WASHINGTON 

P.  S.  Mr  White  seems  to  entertain  no  doubt  of  a 
favorable  issue  to  his  Mission — but  it  goes  (as  every 
thing  else  does)  slowly  on. 


102        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

No.  65. 

PHILADELPHIA,  i3th.  Mar.  1796. 

dear  Sir, 

,  letters  of  the  26th.  Ulto.  and  2d.  Instant,  came 
safe'to  Hand,  after  some  delay.  The  first,  with  the  Will 
of  Harper,  has  been  put  into  the  hands  of  the  attorney 
Genl.  to  aid  him  in  the  conveyances.  To  such  parts  of 
the  second  as  require  it,  I  am  about  to  reply ;  first  ex 
pressing  my  satisfaction  at  the  happy  termination  of 
the  business  which  you  undertook  in  behalf  of  the 
public. 

Having  no  doubt  of  the  correctness  of  the  account, 
which  was  transmited  in  the  last  mentioned  letters ;  I 
have  only  to  beg  that  you  would  favor  me  with  the 
numbers — or  other  designation  or  description,  of  all 
the  shares  I  now  hold,  in  the  Banks  of  Alexandria  & 
Columbia,  by  your  purchases, — and  to  request  if  you 
wish  to  part  with  any  of  the  twenty  shares  you  pur 
chased  in  the  Potomac  Navigation,  that  you  would  ap 
propriate  the  balance  due  me,  by  your  account,  in  as 
many  as  it  will  command; — first  paying  up  the  Install 
ment  on  the  old ;  called  for  I  perceive  to  be  paid  on 
the  first  of  the  present  month.  If  my  present  purposes 
and  gratifications  could  be  answered  by  prospects  of 
future  emolument,  I  would  devote  all  the  money  I 
could  command,  to  this  Investiture ; — but  for  the  few 
Years  I  have  to  remain  here,  the  enjoyment  of  less, 
with  ease  &  certainty,  will  be  more  convenient  and 
desirable. 

If  my  resources  were  adequate  to  the  purchase  of  the 
lots  and  houses  which  are  offered  for  sale  in  Alexandria, 
I  would  gladly  have  been  the  purchaser  of  them  on  the 
terms  mentioned  in  your  letter  of  the  2d.  Inst.  but  as 
these  depend  upon  contingencies  which  may  baffle  cal 
culation,  I  chuse  to  tread  on  sure  ground  in  all  my  en- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  103 

gagements,  being  as  unwilling  to  embarrass  others  by 
uncertain  contracts,  as  I  am  to  be  deceived  myself  in 
my  expectations  from  the  assurances  which  I  receive 
of  promised  paymt. 

From  the  enquiries  which  have  already  been  made  of 
you,  relatively  to  my  Farms  at  Mount  Vernon,  I  take 
the  liberty  of  enclosing  you  the  terms,  on  which  I  mean 
to  lease  them.  My  expectation  of  disposing  of  them  at 
the  Rents  therein  mentioned,  to  such  tenants  as  I 
should  chuse,  is  not  very  sanguine; — nor  would  I  in 
cline  to  do  it  to  the  slovenly  farmers  of  this  Country; 
if  I  had  a  tolerably  well  founded  hope  of  getting  them 
from  any  other,  where  husbandry  is  better  understood, 
and  more  rationally  practiced,  the  mentioning  of  which 
to  some  of  your  acquaintance,  as  you  may  chance  to 
fall  in  with  them  (particularly  the  English  &  Scotch, 
the  latter  more  especially)  might  be  a  means  perhaps, 
of  their  suggesting  it  to  others  in  the  land  they  came 
from. 

It  is  not  my  intention,  at  least  at  the  present  mo 
ment,  to  let  the  negroes  go  with  the  land, — but  if  en 
quiries  on  this  head  should  be  repeated,  it  might  be 
useful  to  me  to  learn  on  what  terms,  these  and  the 
Lands  conjointly,  could  be  disposed  of.  Remember  me 
kindly  to  Fanny  &  the  children,  and  be  assured  of  the 
Sincere  friendship  of  Yr.  Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  66. 

PHILADELPHIA,  2ist.  Mar.  1796. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i4th.  Inst.  did  not  get  to  my  hands 
until  Saturday.  Mine  dated  the  i3th.  acknowledging 
the  receipt  of  your  favors  of  the  26th.  Ulto.  &  2d. 
inst.  must  I  presume  have  been  received  in  due  course  of 
the  Post,  and  therefore  to  repeat  the  contents  of  it  is 
unnecessary. 


104        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

A  Mr.  Summers  of  Alexandria  is  very  desirous  of 
purchasing  my  vacant  lot  in  that  Town ; — and  having 
been  told  that  nothing  short  of  a  high  price  would  in 
duce  me  to  sell  it,  makes  the  offer  contained  in  the  en 
closed  letters.  Whether  this  offer  is  high  or  otherwise, 
depends  upon  comparison,  the  means  of  doing  which  is 
not  within  my  reach,  but  thro*  the  medium  of  another, 
&  therefore  I  give  you  the  trouble  of  making  some 
inquiry  in  the  matter  at  any  time  when  you  are  in 
Alexandria.  I  have  no  wish  to  part  with  the  lot,  un 
less  I  can  do  it  upon  advantageous  terms;  and  can 
dispose  of  the  money  in  a  more  productive  manner. 
I  had  thoughts  of  building  on  it,  but  this  would  be 
attended  with  trouble  and  perhaps  a  good  deal  of  impo 
sition,  as  it  could  not  be  properly  attended  to  in  the  ex 
ecution  of  the  work.  And  besides  workman 's  wages, 
and  materials  are  very  high  at  this  time. 

A  thought  has  run  through  my  mind  (since  I  began 
this  letter)  whether,  as  I  have  a  prospect  from  the  high 
price  of  flour,  of  raising  five  or  six  thousand  dollars 
from  the  same  of  it ;  it  might  not  be  eligable  with  that 
sum  &  the  sale  of  the  vacant  lot  (to  Summers)  to  make 
the  purchase  suggested  in  one  of  your  former  letters 
to  me?  If  that  property  is  in  an  eligable  place  (and  I 
wish  to  know  where  it  lies)  or  whether  or  not  if  it  would 
bring  ten  P.  Cent  on  the  purchase  money,  it  would  cer 
tainly  be  more  immediately  advantageous  to  me  than 
to  let  a  part  of  the  sum,  necessary  to  command  it,  lay 
dead  in  a  vacant  lot,  which  when  built  on,  would  only 
be  to  let.  Mr.  Dandridge's  ansr.  to  Mr.  Summer's 
enclosed,  is  left  open  for  your  perusal  and  may  be 
delivered  to  him  or  not,  at  any  time  you  may  find  it 
convenient. 

As  the  Post  hour  is  at  hand  and  I  have  many  letters 
to  close,  &  prepare  for  the  mail,  I  hardly  know  what  I 
have  written,  or  whether  you  will  be  able  fully  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  105 

comprehend  my  meaning.  My  love  in  which  Mrs. 
Washington  unites  is  presented  to  Fanny  &  the 
children,  and  I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte.  Servt. 

PHILADELPHIA  27th  March  1796 

MR  TOBIAS  LEAR, 

My  Dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  2ist  &  23d  Inst  have  filled  us 
with  pain  and  anxiety ;  from  which  probably,  we  shall 
not  be  relieved  before  tuesday;  tho'  we  shall  hope  on 
that  day  to  hear  that  both  Fanny,  and  Maria  are  much 
better,  if  not  entirely  recovered. 

Upon  receipt  of  the  first  of  the  letters  above  men 
tioned,  I  made  immediate  enquiry  in  what  train  the 
business  respecting  the  Arsenal  on  Potomack  was  in, 
and  have  since  been  informed  by  the  (present)  secre 
tary  of  War,  that  he  has  written  to  you  on  the  subject. 
I  wish  sincerely  that  the  sickness  in  your  family,  had 
not  prevented  your  journey  to  this  City,  &  that  it  may 
not  retard  it  much  longer  as  the  Departments  at  this 
juncture  are  so  full  of  business  as  to  require  more 
attention,  and  urging  in  particular  matters  than  the 
pressure  of  my  own  allows  me  to  bestow. 

When  you  come  we  will  make  room  for  you  to  lodge 
in  some  manner  or  other,  as  the  only  spare  room  we 
have  will  I  expect  be  occupied  by  Young  Fayette  &  his 
Tutor. 

I  wish  devoutly,  in  which  Mrs.  Washington  cor 
dially  unites,  that  this  letter  may  find  Fanny  &  Maria 
perfectly  restored.  My  best  regards  to  them  &  with 
affection 

I  am  always  Yours 

Go  WASHINGTON 


io6        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

No.  67. 

PHILADELPHIA,  3oth.  March  1796. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Your  former  letters  prepared  us  for  the  stroke,  which 
that  of  the  25th.  Inst.  announced,  but  it  has  fallen 
heavily  notwithstanding. 

It  is  the  nature  of  humanity  to  mourn  for  the  loss  of 
our  friends,  and  the  more  we  loved  them  the  more 
poignant  is  our  grief.  It  is  part  of  the  precepts  of  reli 
gion  &  Philosophy,  to  consider  the  dispensations  of 
Providence  as  wise,  immutable,  uncontroulable ;  of 
course  that  it  is  our  duty  to  submit  with  as  little 
repining  as  the  sensibility  of  our  natures  is  capable,  to 
all  its  decrees.  But  nature  will,  notwithstanding, 
endulge  for  a  while  its  sorrows. 

To  say  how  much  we  loved  &  esteemed  our  departed 
friend  is  unnecessary.  She  is  now  no  more ! — but  she 
must  be  happy,  because  her  virtue  has  a  claim  to  it. 

As  you  talked  of  coming  to  this  place  on  business  let 
us  press  you  to  do  so.  The  same  Room  that  serves  Mr. 
Dandridge  &  Washington  is  large  enough  to  receive  a 
bed  also  for  you ; — and  it  is  needless  to  add  we  shall  be 
glad  of  your  Company.  The  change  may  be  service 
able  to  you,  and  if  our  wishes  were  of  any  avail,  they 
would  induce  you  to  make  your  stay  here,  as  long  as 
your  convenience  would  permit. 

At  all  times,  and  under  all  circumstances,  we  are  and 
ever  shall  remain,  Your  Sincere  and 

Affecte.  friends 
Go.  WASHINGTON 
M.  WASHINGTON 

No.  68. 

PHILADELPHIA,  4th.  April,  1796. 
My  dear  Sir, 

As  your  letter  of  the  3oth.Ulto.  gives  me  room  to  ex- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  107 

pect  you  here  in  a  few  days.  I  shall  do  no  more  than 
acknowledge  the  receipt  of  it,  repeat  the  request  con 
tained  in  a  joint  letter  (written  by  Mrs.  Washington 
and  myself  to  you)  of  the  3oth.Ulto. — and  request, 
if  a  vessel  from  Liverpool  called  the  Commerce,  com 
manded  by  Capt.  Tuttle  should  have  arrived  at  George 
Town,  that  Mr.  Pearce  may  have  immediate  notice  of 
it,  as  there  will  be  in  it  two  Sacks  of  field  Peas  &  some 
other  seeds  for  me  in  her,  which  ought  now  to  be  in  the 
ground. 

With  sincerity  &  affection 

I  am — Yrs. 

No.  69. 

PHILADELPHIA,  29th.  April,    1796. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Yesterday's  Post  brought  me  the  letters  which  had 
arrived  in  the  Commerce,  Capt.  Tuttell;  enclosing  In 
voice  and  Bill  of  lading  for  the  long  expected  Seeds 
(which  by  the  by  have  cost  me  at  least  four  times  as 
much  as  I  expected. 

The  Invoice  and  Bill  of  lading  are  now  sent  to  you 
lest  from  the  want  of  them,  any  difficulty  or  delay 
should  arise  on  the  account  of  the  duties,  and  they  are 
accompanied  with  an  earnest  request  that  the  packages 
may  be  forwarded  to  Mr.  Pearce  with  as  little  delay  as 
possible,  the  season  for  sowing  the  Peas  &  Succory  be 
ing  already  far  advanced.  The  winter  vetch  cannot 
be  sown  before  autumn. 

If  you  incline  to  try  some  of  these  seeds  at  your  farm, 
you  are  very  welcome  to  part  of  each  sort.  When  the 
purposes  for  which  Mr.  Murray's  letter,  Invoice  &  Bill 
of  lading  are  sent,  are  answered  be  so  good  as  to  return 
them  to 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte.  Servt. 


io8        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

P.  S. 

If  the  seeds  should  before  the  arrival  of  this  letter, 
have  been  sent  to  Mount  Vernon,  I  pray  you  to  con 
trive  the  one,  by  some  safe  conveyance  to  Mr.  Pearce. 
And  Washington  requests  you  will  send  the  letter  he 
has  written  to  his  sister  Peter.  It  relates  to  their  Car 
riages  &  some  other  matters  entrusted  to  his  enquiries. 

No.   70. 

PHILADELPHIA,  6th.  May  1796. 

Dear  Sir, 

This  letter  will  be  put  into  your  hands  by  Mr.  Vol- 
ney,  who  proposes  to  visit  the  Federal  City.  If  you 
are  not  acquainted  with  him  personally,  I  am  sure 
you  must  have  a  knowledge  of  his  character,  his 
travels,  &  works, — I  therefore  recommend  him  to  your 
civilities ;  while  he  remains  in  the  Federal  City. 
I  am  always  &  Sincerely  Yours 

No.  71. 

PHILADELPHIA,  3d.  of  June,  1796. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  3oth.  Ulto.  was  received  yesterday. 
As  I  expect  (nothing  new  and  unforeseen  happening  to 
prevent  it)  to  commence  my  journey,  for  Mount  Ver 
non  in  ten  or  twelve  days,  I  shall  enter  into  no  details 
respecting  the  matters  touched  upon  in  your  letter  of 
the  above  date. 

The  chief  design  of  my  writing  to  you  by  this  post 
is  to  inform  you  that  your  good  mother  and  lovely  son 
arrived  in  this  City  on  Tuesday  morning;  and  left 
it  yesterday  about  ten  o'clock,  on  their  way  to  the 
Federal  City.  Mrs.  Lear  is  very  well  and  Lincoln  as 
sprightly  as  ever;  but  both  disappointed  at  not  meet- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  109 

ing  you  here.  It  was  with  great  difficulty  a  carriage 
could  be  procured  to  take  her  on;  for  it  so  happened 
that  Congress  closed  their  Session  yesterday — that  the 
members  were  strugling  for,  &  bidding  on  each  other 
for  conveyances — and  your  mother's  anxious  desire  to 
get  to  you,  would  not  permit  her  to  wait.  At  length 
after  some  unavailing  attempts,  Mr.  Craik  succeeded 
in  getting  a  carriage  &  pair  of  horses,  which  I  hope 
will  take  her  safely  down. 

I  will  send  sugar  &  some  other  things  from  hence. 
We  are  all  well  as  usual  &  join  in  best  wishes  for  you. 
With  sincere  Esteem,  &  regard 

I  am  Your  Affectionate 

P.  S. 

A  Mr.  Prescott  attends  Mrs.  Lear  &  Lincoln — and 
it  is  not  unlikely  as  the  weather  is  cool,  but  that  they 
may  be  with  you  as  soon  as  this  letter,  as  the  Post  does 
not  travel  on  Sunday.  I  did  not  know  untill  after  the 
Post  had  left  the  City  on  Wednesday,  that  Mrs.  Lear 
was  in  it,  or  expected,  or  you  should  have  been  advised 
of  the  circumstances  by  the  mail  of  that  day. 

No.  72. 

PHILADELPHIA,  i6th.  Novr.  1796. 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  hardly  know  what  apology  to  make  for  the  positive 
manner  in  which  I  declared  the  Certificate  for  the  hun 
dred  Shares  in  the  Bank  of  Columbia,  had  never  been 
in  my  hands.  The  fact  is  otherwise,  and  I  delay  no 
time  to  correct  any  error. 

I  found  it  last  night  and  account  for  it  thus.  Given 
to  me,  I  suppose,  (for  I  have  not  the  most  obscure  rec 
ollection  of  the  circumstance)  at  a  time  when  my 
mind  was  occupied  on,  or  immediately  called  to,  some 


no        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

other  subject,  I  put  it  loose  in  my  traveling  Chaise-box, 
where  papers  (frequently  wanted  at  Mount  Vernon) 
always  remained,  intending  I  presume  to  file  it  with  the 
other  Certificates,  in  the  same  box;  but  not  doing  it 
then,  and  forgetting  to  do  it  afterwards,  as  also  of  every 
recollection  of  having  seen  it,  it  might  have  remained 
there  till  dooms-day  undiscovered,  if  I  had  not,  for  an 
other  purpose,  examined  every  paper  therein,  separately 
and  by  that  means  found  the  Certificate  which  has  puz 
zled  both  you  and  me  to  know  what  had  become  of  it. 

Mr.  Dandridge  (as  I  presume  he  has  informed  you) 
applied  without  encouragement  to  the  Revd.  Mr.Medor 
of  this  City  (one  of  the  Moravian  clergy)  for  the  speedy 
admission  of  Maria  into  the  School  for  Young  ladies  at 
Bethlehem.  Since  then  I  have  written  to  the  principal 
of  that  School,  the  Revd.  Mr.  Van  Vleck,  but  have  not 
received  his  answer.  When  it  comes  I  will  forward  it 
to  you. 

Mr.  Smith  of  Alexandria  to  whom  my  flour  was  sold, 
is  craving  earnestly  a  prolongation  of  payment,  ninety 
days.  This  I  do  not  like  for  two  reasons — i — because 
it  carries  along  with  it  distrust  of  his  circumstances ; — 
and  2 — because  the  doing  of  it  would  be  inconvenient, 
and  a  derangement  of  my  own  measures.  I  have  how 
ever  not  wanting  to  distress  him,  placed  the  matter 
upon  the  following  ground.  Pay  Mr.  Pearce  the  aggre 
gate  of  his  estimate  of  the  sums  necessary  to  pay  his 
own  wages; — the  overseers; — &  other  incidental  ex- 
pences  of  the  estate  on  or  before  the  24th,  of  next 
month,  &  I  will  wait  until  the  first  day  of  March  next 
for  the  balance — provided  he  can  and  will  give 
indubitable  surety  that  both  these  shall  be  done. 

As  Mr.  Pearce  may  not  be  well  acquainted  with 
business  of  this  sort,  or  indeed  with  the  adequacy  of 
the  security  which  may  be  offered  personal  or  real — I 
have  taken  the  liberty  of  mentioning  the  matter  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  in 

you — praying,  if  you  should  go  down  to  your  farm,  that 
you  would  aid  him  with  your  advice. 

Washington  Custis  has  got  settled  at  Princeton  Col 
lege,  and  I  think  under  favorable  auspices;  but  the 
change  from  his  former  habits  is  so  great  &  sudden,  and 
his  hours  for  study  so  much  encreased,  beyond  what 
he  has  been  accustomed  to,  that  though  he  promises 
to  be  attentive,  it  is  easy  to  be  perceived,  he  is  not  at  all 
reconciled  to  it  yet.  That  of  getting  up  an  hour  before 
day  to  commence  them,  is,  I  will  venture  to  pronounce, 
not  the  least  irksome  to  him  at  present. 

Offer  my  respects  to  Mrs.  Lear  &  love  to  the  children, 
in  which  Mrs.  Washington  unites. — And  be  assured  of 
the  sincere  esteem  &  regard  of 

Dear  Sir  Your  Affecte.  friend 

No.  73. 

PHILADELPHIA,  25th.  Novr.  1796. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  2oth.  Inst.  was  reed,  yesterday, 
and  the  principal  design  of  this  is  to  cover  the  Copy  of 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Van  Vleck  to  me,  respecting  the  re 
ception  of  Maria  at  the  School  for  young  ladies  in 
Bethlehem.  It  will  be  necessary  for  you  to  fix  (for  I 
presume  it  will  be  necessary  that  Mr.  Van  Vleck 
should  know)  precisely  when  she  will  enter ;  for  as  he  is 
pressed  by  others,  and  receiving  Maria  may  be  con 
sidered  as  a  favour  (at  this  time)  I  would  wish  the 
matter  to  be  regulated  with  punctuality. 

As  you  and  Mr.  Pearce  both  seem  to  think  that  the 
security  offered  by  Alexander  Smith  is,  under  present 
appearances  good,  I  will  not  now  ask  for  any  other, 
but  as  it  may  be  in  your  way  to  discover,  without  much 
inquiry  or  trouble,  how  matters  work  in  Alexandria  be 
fore  March,  I  would  thank  you  for  advice  if  in  your 


ii2        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

judgment  it  should  become  expedient  for  me  to  resort 
to  further  means  for  the  security  of  the  sum  which  will 
be  due  me  at  that  time  from  him. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  your  Crop  of  Wheat  turned 
out  so  indifferently — mine  I  expect  will  be,  proper  tion- 
tely  no  better.  But  all  these  things  only  serve  as 
evidences  to  convince  me,  that  if  we  were  to  reduce 
our  cultivation,  or  rather  grounds,  to  half  the  present 
quantity,  and  manure  and  till  that  half  well,  that  our 
profits  would  be  greater;  while  the  other  half  would 
be  improving.  But  this  is  a  subject  too  copious  for 
my  present  occupations,  to  allow  time  to  enter  upon. 
And  therefore  I  will  add  nothing  further  at  this  time, 
than  that  the  family  are  all  (except  Mr.  Frestal)  well 
and  unite  in  best  wishes  for  you  &  Yours,  with 
Dear  Sir 

Your  sincere  friend  & 
Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  74. 

PHILADELPHIA,  i4th.  Deer.  1796. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Immediately  upon  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the 
2d.  Inst.  I  sent  a  transcript  of  so  much  of  it  as  related 
to  Maria,  and  the  daughter  of  Colo.  Ball,  to  Mr.  Van 
Vleck ;  with  a  request  that  he  would  answer  the  queries 
which  were  propounded  therein  under  a  cover  to  me. 
Enclosed  is  his  answer  and  of  course  you  will  inform 
Colo.  Ball  thereof. 

As  I  know  that  many  unsuccessful  applications  had 
been  made  for  admission  into  the  young  ladies*  school 
at  Bethlehem  about  the  time  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Van  Vleck, 
the  reception  of  Maria  &  her  cousin  must  be  considered 
as  a  particular  favor,  and  Col.  Ball  should  make  a 
point  of  it,  to  be  exact  in  complying  with  the  requisi 
tions,  that  are  enumerated  in  the  Director's  letter. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  113 

A  treatise  on  the  improvement  of  Canal  Navigation, 
came  to  my  hands  by  Doctr.  Edwards,  as  a  present 
from  the  author  a  few  days  ago.  As  I  shall  have  no 
time  to  look  into  it  while  I  remain  in  this  City,  I  make 
a  deposit  of  it  with  you  until  I  return  to  Mount  Vernon. 
According  to  Doctr.  Edwards'  acct.  Fulton's  system  is 
puting  Lock  navigation  out  of  vogue.  I  have  not  read  a 
page  in  the  Book,  but  if  the  Potomac  Company  can  ex 
tract  any  thing  useful  from  it,  I  shall  feel  happy  in  hav 
ing  sent  it  to  you.  We  are  all  well  except  having  bad 
Colds;  and  join  in  best  wishes  for  yourself  and  family. 
I  am  Your  Affecte. 

P.  S. 

As  you  communicate  much  with  the  upper  Country, 
Mrs.  Washington  requests  the  favor  of  you  to  procure 
for  our  use,  about  200  weight  of  good  butter  against 
the  first  of  March  by  the  middle  of  which  I  trust  I  shall 
be  a  resident  at  Mount  Vernon. 

No.  74A 

PHILADELPHIA  i3th  Jany  1797 

MR  TOBIAS  LEAR, 

My  dear  Sir, 

It  is  nearly  if  not  quite  a  month  since  I  enclosed  you 
a  letter  from  the  Revd  Mr  Van  Vleck,  agreeing  to 
take  Colo  Balls  daughter  along  with  Maria. 

In  that  letter  he  mentioned  his  terms; — his  wishes 
to  know  their  exact  ages; — and  informed  you  what 
necessaries  they  ought  to  come  provided  with.  To 
these  I  added  that  knowing  many  unsuccessful  attempts 
had  been  made,  to  get  girls  admitted  to  that  School  the 
reception  of  Maria  &  her  cousin,  ought  to  be  considered 
as  a  favor ;  and  hoped  that  Colo  Ball  would  be  pointed 
in  complying  with  the  terms  &  requisitions.  I  requested 
too  that  you  would  write  Mr  Van  Vleck  (I  think  I 
added  under  cover  to  me)  the  precise  time  the  Girls 


ii4        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

were  to  enter.     Since  then  I  have  heard  nothing  from 
you  on  this  subject. 

That  letter  was  accompanied  wth  Fultons  Treatise 
(quarto)  on  the  improvement  of  Canal  navigation, 
which  I  meant  to  deposit  in  your  hands  until  my  re 
turn  to  Mount  Vernon.  No  acknowledgement  of 
this  neither,  leads  me  to  apprehend  a  miscarriage  of 
them  &  is  the  cause  of  these  details. 

Another  subject  indeed  has  stimulated  the  present 
address.  I  have  been  asked  with  a  degree  of  solici 
tude  from  the  War  office  to  what  cause  is  to  be  ascribed 
the  non  execution,  or  not  coming  forward  of  the  Deed 
for  the  Land  on  which  the  arsenal  on  Shanandoah 
is  to  be  erected,  as  these  were  promised  in  a  letter 
from  you  dated  early  in  August;  since  which  noth 
ing  has  been  communicated;  and  is  embarrassing  to 
that  Department ;  as  the  necessary  Items  &  information 
cannot  accompany  the  Accounts  of  it  in  the  manner 
that  is  expected ; — On  many  accounts  I  hope  this  mat 
ter  will  come  forward  without  delay  and  particularly 
for  the  reasons  I  have  mentioned. 

With  sincere  esteem  &  regard 

I  am  your  affectionate 

Go  WASHINGTON 

No.   75. 

CHESTER  Qth.  March,  1797. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Thus  far  we  have  arrived  safe,  but  found  it  disagree 
ably  cold. 

To  give  the  greater  surety  to  the  large  looking 
Glasses,  and  such  other  articles  as  are  liable  to  be  in 
jured  by  the  jolting  of  a  dray ;  be  so  good  as  to  have 
taken  down  by  hand,  and  stowed  where  they  will  not 
be  trod  on;  or  tossed  about  in  the  Vessel's  hold. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  115 

The  grate  (from  Mr.  Morris's)  pray  have  packed 
first  in  some  of  the  old  Carpeting  to  keep  it  from  scratch 
ing.  The  bedstead  which  Nelly  Custis  slept  on  belongs 
(Mrs.  Washington  says)  to  me.  Let  this  and  the 
trundle  under  it  be  sent  in  the  Vessel. 

I  question  whether  enough  of  the  small  hooks  were 
got; — desire  Mr.  Dandridge  to  get  a  couple  of  dozen 
more,  like  the  two  he  took  out  of  my  Room  yesterday, — 
and  he  was  to  have  got  me  small  awls,  but  I  believe  did 
not  do  it.  I  wish  it  to  be  done. 

Mr.  Hill  told  me  he  had  done  something  (but  what 
I  do  not  recollect)  with  the  livery  clothes ;  I  pray  you 
to  enquire  and  know  they  are  sent  around. 

Mr.  Slough  of  Lancaster  had  600  dollars  sent  him  to 
buy  Horses:  £160  of  which  was  expended.  The  bal 
ance  after  deducting  incidental  expences  I  expected  to 
have  reed,  before  I  left  Philadelphia ;  but  did  not,  and 
forgot  to  mention  it. 

The  newly  published  Pamphlets,  pray  purchase,  and 
bring  with  you  for  me ;  Mr.  Dandridge  knows  what  I 
already  have.  Desire  Peter  Porcupine's  Gazette  to 
be  sent  to  me  (as  a  Subscriber). 

If  there  be  means  left  after  I  have  fairly  and  honor 
able  discharged  all  the  claims  upon  myself  let  Mr.  Dan 
dridge  (if  he  should  have  occasion  for  it)  have  to  the  a- 
mount  of  200  or  two  hundred  &  fifty  Dollars,  to  provide 
such  necessaries  as  he  may  require  for  his  voyage  to  be 
returned  when  convenient  to  him. 

When  the  point  at  which  the  Vessel  can  sail  is  ascer 
tained;  advise  me  of  it  by  letter.     I  wish  you  &  all 
with  you,  every  thing  you  wish  yourselves — and  am 
Sincerely  &  Affectionately 
Yrs. 

P.  S. 

On  one  side  I  am  called  upon  to  remember  the  Parrot, 


n6        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

on  the  other  to  remember  the  dog.    For  my  own  part 
I  should  not  pine  much  if  both  were  forgot. 

No.  76. 

HEAD  OF  ELK  loth,  of  March  1797 

My  dear  Sir, 

We  arrived  at  this  place  to  dinner  and  shall  remain 
all  night.  To  morrow  we  shall  proceed  but  slowly. 

As  I  have  missed  the  Post  of  this  afternoon,  and  an 
other  does  not  happen  until  Monday  it  is  probable  this 
letter  will  not  reach  your  hands  in  time.  If  the  case 
however  should  be  otherwise,  and  you  have  means  to 
accomplish  it,  let  me  request  you  to  provide  for  me  as 
usual  new  Carpeting  as  will  cover  the  floor  of  my  blue 
Parlour.  That  it  may  accord  with  the  furniture  it 
ought  to  have  a  good  deal  of  blue  in  it ; — and  if  Wilton 
is  not  much  dearer  than  Scotch  Carpeting — I  would 
prefer  the  former.  All  the  old  Carpeting  (belonging  to 
me)  I  would  have  sent; — and  Mrs.  Washington  re 
quests  that  you  would  add  the  Bellows  and  the  Vessels 
(Iron  &  Tin)  in  which  the  ashes  are  carried  out.  If 
two  pair  of  new  Bellows  were  added  to  the  old,  (and  of 
a  better  kind)  it  would  be  desirable. 

I  pray  you  to  desire  Mr.  Kitt  to  make  all  the  en 
quiry  he  can  after  Hercules,  and  send  him  round  in  the 
Vessel  if  he  can  be  discovered  &  apprehended. 

I  am  always  &  Affectionately  Yrs. 

P.  S. 

The  parlour  is  about  18  foot  Square — a  suitable 
border  if  to  be  had,  should  accompany  the  Carpeting. 
Pray  get  me  of  those  Thermometers  that  tells  the  state 
of  the  Mercury  within  the  24  hours — Doctor  Priestly 
or  Mr.  Madison  can  tell  where  it  is  to  be  had.  Per 
haps  the  old  one  if  no  thing  better,  may  do  to  present  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  117 

Mr.  Snowden,  according  to  his  letter  to  me  left  with 

you. 

No.  77. 

BALTIMORE,  i2th.  Mar.  1797. 

My  dear  Sir, 

As  I  ride  on  matters  occur  to  me  and  I  shall  take  the 
chance  of  mentioning  them  to  you  before  you  may  have 
left  Philadelphia.  A  boat  was  bespoke,  but  no  direc 
tion  given  either  for  the  payment  or  mode  of  getting  it 
round.  My  credit  is  at  stake  as  it  respects  the  first, 
and  my  interest  as  it  regards  the  second,  and  I  shall  be 
obliged  to  you  for  seeing  how  both  can  be  promoted. 

It  is  incumbent  on  me  also  to  pay  rent  up  to  the 
time  the  house  is  surrendered,  and  to  see  that  it  is 
made  clean  and  delivered  up  in  good  order.  I  have 
several  times  mentioned  this  to  Mr.  Dandridge  and 
pressed  it  upon  Mr.  Kitt; — &  trust  it  will  be  done. 
The  furniture  belonging  to  the  public  ought  to  have 
been  well  cleaned,  as  well  as  the  Rooms  before  they 
were  turned  over  to  the  President's  order,  with  the 
Papers. 

Let  me  request  the  favour  of  you  to  purchase  for  me 
half  a  dozen  pair  of  the  best  kind  of  White  Silk  stock 
ings  (not  those  with  gores  but)  to  be  large,  and  with 
small  clocks  (I  think  they  are  called)  I  want  the  same 
number  of  raw  silk,  for  boot  stockings;  large  and 
strong. 

In  my  last  from  Elkton  I  mentioned  the  want  of  a 
Carpet  for  my  parlour  at  Mount  Vernon; — and  ob 
served  that  as  the  furniture  was  blue,  the  ground  or 
principal  flowers  in  it  ought  to  be  blue  also ; — &  that  if 
Wilton  Carpeting  was  not  much  dearer  than  Scotch 
I  should  prefer  it.  Mrs.  Washington  says  there  is  a 
kind  different  from  both  much  in  use  (Russia)  if  not 
dearer  or  but  little  more  so  than  the  former  I  would 


n8        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

have  it  got.  The  Room  is  about  18  feet  Square,  and 
the  Carpet  should  have  a  suitable  border  if  to  be  had. 
This  letter  may  get  to  your  hands  on  Tuesday  morning 
and  on  the  Post  of  Wednesday  a  line  or  two  inform 
ing  when  the  goods  will  be  on  board,  &  the  Vessel  will 
sail,  will  be  very  agreeable  to 
My  dear  Sir 

Your  Affectionate  friend  &  Servt. 

No.  78. 

MOUNT  VERNON  25th.  Mar.  1797. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  2oth.  Inst.  with  the  Bill  of  lading 
for  the  Goods  in  the  Sloop  Salem, — and  another  letter 
of  the  1 5th.  are  both  received;  and  I  hope  this  will 
find  you  safely  arrived  in  the  Federal  City. 

I  have  got  painters  at  work  in  order  to  prepare  my 
rooms  for  the  furniture  which  is  expected  but  I  find  I 
have  begun  at  the  wrong  end,  for  some  joiner's  work 
(of  the  deficiency  of  which  I  was  ignorant  before  it  was 
examined)  ought  to  have  preceded  theirs  as  the  fixing 
of  the  chimney  pieces  ought  also  to  do.  The  first  I 
have  engaged,  but  cannot  on  enquiry  find  that  a  Skilful 
hand  is  to  be  had  in  Alexandria  to  execute  the  latter. 
I  would  thank  you  therefore  for  engaging  one,  if  to  be 
had,  in  the  Federal  City  or  George  Town,  to  be  here  on 
Monday  or  Tuesday  at  farthest,  as  my  work  will  be  at  a 
stand  without.  To  prevent  imposition  &  to  avoid  dis 
putes,  I  would  prefer  employing  the  artisan  by  the  day. 
The  work  immediately  foreseen  and  which  must  be  done 
without  delay,  is  to  refix  the  marble  Chimney  piece  in 
the  parlour,  which  is  almost  falling  out,  to  fix  the  new 
one  (expected  from  Philadelphia)  in  the  small  dining 
Room ;  to  remove  the  one  now  there,  into  what  is  called 
the  School  room, — to  fix  the  grate  which  is  coming 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  119 

round  in  the  large  dining  room ; — and  to  give  some  re 
pairs  to  the  steps ;  which  (like  most  things  else  I  have 
looked  into  since  I  have  been  at  home)  are  sadly  out  of 
repair. 

Tis  possible  either  of  the  Commissioners  or  Capt. 
Hoben  could  point  out  a  proper  Character,  as  they  have 
had  to  do  with  the  best  workmen ;  and  'tis  possible,  but 
I  do  not  think  it  very  probable,  that  Cornelius  (my  old 
servant)  might  be  competent  to  do  it.  Two  things 
however  are  necessary — viz — skill  &  dispatch.  Our 
best  regards  are  presented  to  all  with  you, — and  I  am 
your  Sincere  friend  &  Affecte.  Servant 
P.  S. 

If  Cornelius  had  knowledge  in  practice  or  theory 
sufficient  for  the  job, — I  should  be  disposed  to  give  him 
a  preference ; — first,  because  I  am  acquainted  with  his 
temper  and  industry; — and  2dly.  because  I  foresee 
many  other  things,  in  his  line,  that  must  be  done  as 
fast  as  I  can  accomplish  them ;  by  engaging  a  workman 
upon  moderate  terms,  make  Bricks — or  raise  stone  & 
procure  lime. 

The  Winds  have  been  favorable  for  Capt.  Elkins  but 
we  see  no  thing  of  his  Sloop  yet.     As  soon  as  it  arrives 
I  will  let  you  know,  as  it  would  be  very  pleasing  to  me 
to  have  you  here  at  that  time. 
Yrs.  &c. 

No.    79. 

MOUNT  VERNON  loth.  July  1797. 
My  dear  Sir, 

If  nothing  happens  more  than  I  foresee  to  prevent 
it, — I  propose  to  be  in  the  Federal  City  on  Monday  or 
Tuesday  in  next  week;  but  it  will  depend  on  your 
being  there.  I  request  therefore  to  be  informed  by 
the  Post  if  this  will  be  the  case ;  or  whether  business  at 
that  time  will  call  you  from  it. 


120        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

When  that  far  I  shall  extend  my  ride  to  the  little 
and  great  falls  of  the  River, — at  the  last  of  which  I  have 
not  been  these  eight  or  nine  Years. 

I  am  Your  Affectionate 


No.  80. 

3ist.  July  1797. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  am  alone  at  present,  and  shall  be  glad  to  see  you 
this  evening. 

Unless  some  one  pops  in,  unexpectedly — Mrs.  Wash 
ington  &  myself  will  do  what  I  believe  has  not   been 
done  within  the  last  twenty  Years  by  us, — that  is  to  set 
down  to  dinner  by  ourselves.     I  am 
Your  affectionate 

No.  81. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  loth.  Septr.  1797. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  almost  determined  to  build  the  Walls  of  the 
house  intended  for  a  Distillery  (at  my  Mill)  of  Stone, 
for  the  sake  of  expedition,  as  the  Carpenters'  work  can 
be  carried  on  at  the  same  time.  Having  this  in  con 
templation  I  would  thank  you  for  informing  at  what 
price  foundation  stone  from  the  falls  could  be  delivered 
to  a  Boat  as  near  to  my  Mill  as  the  Vessel  could  get  & 
whether  any  person  would  undertake  the  delivery 
there  accordingly.* 

When  I  was  last  at  your  house  Capt.  Prescott  was 
landing  a  number  of  Shingles.  Pray  inform  me  if  he 
has  any  now  for  sale?  the  length  &  average  breadth, 
and  the  price?  Is  Cornelius  disengaged?  Could  he 
be  had  to  assist  in  my  building?  Could  any  other  be 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  121 

obtained  and  on  what  terms?     In  much  haste  dinner 
waiting 

I  am  Yrs. 

*  I  shall  use  free  stone  from  my  own  Quarry  for 
the  building  above  the  foundation. 

No.  82. 

MOUNT  VERNON  nth.  Septr.  1797. 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  8th.  inst.  was  given  to  me  yes 
terday  by  Mr.  John  Bassett. 

If  you  had  intimated  a  wish  to  Lease  my  River  farm, 
a  month  or  two  ago,  all  matters  might  have  been  with 
ease  arranged  before  this ;  but  as  I  had  heard  nothing 
in  that  time  from  the  English  farmer  who  had  been  in 
Treaty  for  it,  I  had  relinquished  the  idea  of  letting  it 
next  year;  &  in  consequence  have  engaged  Stuart, — 
Sown  the  principal  part  of  my  winter  grain, — and  made 
all  the  necessary  dispositions  for  the  ensuing  Season. 
I  do  not  therefore,  at  this  moment,  see  how  they  can  be 
dispenced  with.  If  upon  further  reflection  on  the  sub 
ject,  and  a  consultation  with  Mr.  Anderson,  the  meas 
ure  can  be  gone  into,  without  involving  difficulties, 
which  cannot  be  easily  surmounted,  you  shall  hear  fur 
ther  from  me  on  this  subject — and  learn  more  minutely 
the  details  of  my  Plan,  and  the  conditions  on  which 
the  farm  will  be  let ; — for  these  will  be  specific,  and 
exacted  from  the  Tenant  whomsoever  he  may  be. 

If  that  Farm  is  not  rented  next  year,  there  is  nearly 
a  moral  certainty  (if  I  am  alive)  it  will  be  so  the  Year 
after ; — my  object  being  to  reduce  my  income  to  a  cer 
tainty  ;  and  to  get  relieved  in  my  latter  years  (if  I  have 
any  to  pass)  of  the  trouble  and  perplexities  incident  to 
such  an  estate  as  mine  is,  from  the  constitution  of  it. 


122        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Although  nothing  (except  the  Rent  P.  Acre)  is  def 
initely  fixed  in  my  own  mind  relative  to  the  precise 
terms  on  which  I  propose  to  lease  my  Farms, — yet,  to 
give  you  a  more  comprehensive  view  of  my  ideas  in 
these  respects,  I  enclose  you  a  printed  advertisement 
of  them ;  published  near  two  years  since ;  my  thoughts 
upon  the  subject  at  that  period;  and  Mr.  Anderson's 
sketch  of  a  lease,  when  application  was  made  for  River 
farm,  by  the  person  before  alluded  to;  that  you  may 
gather,  from  thence  the  outlines  of  my  views  and  in 
tention  ;  and  more  particularly,  that  you  might  not  be 
under  a  mistake  with  regard  to  the  Fisheries  (which 
has  always  been  considered  as  distinct  objects  al 
though  they  might  be  united  in  the  same  lease)  the 
Stipes  of  old  field  without  the  present  fences ; — and  the 
wood  land ; — not  an  acre  of  which  will  be  suffered  to  be 
cleared,  for  the  purpose  of  cultivation  (the  swamps 
and  Pocosons  on  the  Creek  and  River  excepted)  nor  a 
stick  carried  off  the  premises  for  any  purpose  whatso 
ever; — nor  used  thereon  except  in  the  manner, — and 
for  the  purposes  which  are  mentioned  in  one  or  more  of 
the  enclosed  papers. 

After  perusing  the  manuscript  ones  I  beg  they  may 
be  returned  by  the  Post,  as  I  have  no  Copy  of  either. 
With  great  esteem  &  regard,  I  am  dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte. 

No.  83. 

*MOUNT  VERNON  24th.  Oct.  1797. 

Dear  Sir, 

You  ask  what  is  absolutely  out  of  my  power  to  com 
ply  with,  unless  I  was  to  place  myself  exactly  in  the 
situation  you  represent  yourself  to  be  in  (without  con 
verting  Bank  stock  into  Cash,  which  I  am  not  inclined 
to  do) — that  is,  unprepared  to  face  my  own  engage- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  123 

ments, — which  for  Wheat,  Rye,  Workmens  wages  &ca. 
&ca.  are  hourly  coming  upon  me,  &  expected.  Three 
thousand  dollars  (without  going  into  a  correct  exami 
nation  of  the  acct.)  is  more  than  I  have  in  the  Bank 
of  Alexandria  and  (for  running  calls)  in  my  Desk. 

Had  you  asked  for  a  thousand  dollars  of  thes.e,  or  if 
that  sum  would  answer  any  valuable  purpose  I  would, 
inconvenient  as  it  might  prove  to  me,  give  a  check  on 
the  Bank.  Your  letter  being  just  presented,  com 
pany  here,  &  dinner  ready,  I  can  only  add  that  I  am 
Yr.  Obed.  &  Affecte. 

*  From  Washington's  letter-press  copy  in 
The  New  York  Public  Library. 

No.  84. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  icth.  Novr.  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  received  both  of  your  letters  dated  Yesterday, 
&  thank  you  for  the  information  given  in  them.  If 
Mr.  Liston's  arrangement  to  proceed  from  Alexandria 
to  this  place  by  Water  appeared  to  you  to  proceed  from 
the  want  of  Carriages  (for  I  do  not  know  in  what  man 
ner  he  got  to  the  City)  say  to  him  that  you  are  sure 
mine  would  attend  upon  him  at  any  hour  he  would 
name  at  that  place  to  bring  as  many  of  them  as  it 
would  contain  to  Mount  Vernon.  This  however,  as  the 
presumption  is  that  I  am  unacquainted  with  his  in 
tentions  and  movements,  must  go  as  from  yourself. 
Yours  always  &  Affecte. 

No.  85. 

MOUNT  VERNON  26th.  April  1798. 
Dear  Sir, 

If  Stuart  can  spare  a  Stear,  you  may  keep  the  one 
you  got  from  thence,  and  pay  for  him  in  kind. 


i24        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Fishing  hitherto  has  been  very  unsuccessful  at  my 
landing — more  were  caught  last  night  and  this  morn 
ing  (since  I  have  not  heard  from  thence)  than  in  the 
same  space  at  any  time  before  since  it  Commenced,  & 
unless  it  continues  for  some  days  my  expences  will 
not  be  reimbursed. 

Have  you  written  to  Cornelius?  What  answer?  It 
is  necessary  for  me  to  know  whether  I  am  to  depend 
upon  him  or  not.  I  am  glad  to  hear  the  boys  are  well. 
My  love  to  them.  I  am 

Your  Affectionate 

No.  86. 

MOUNT  VERNON  22d.  July,  1798. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  am  very  sorry  to  learn  by  Mr.Dalton's  family  (now 
here)  that  your  ague  and  fever  stick  by  you.  If  not 
such  as  to  confine  you,  your  Coming  &  remaining  here 
while  his  visit  lasts  wd.  be  a  kindness  to  me  and 
company  for  him;  many  matters  pressing  upon  me 
at  this  time,  that  cannot,  without  much  inconvenience 
be  postponed,  will  not  suffer  me  to  pay  him  those 
attentions  I  could  wish. 

I  am  Your  friend  & 
Affecte.  Servt. 

No.  87. 

MOUNT  VERNON  2d.  Augt.  1798. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  was  glad  to  hear  by  Charles  that  you  were  much 
better,  than  when  we  saw  you  last.  If  you  have 
missed  the  ague  care,  and  Bark,  is  necessary  to  pre 
vent  a  relapse ;  &  this  prudence  requires. 

Monday  next  being  the  day  fixed  on  by  the  Con- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  125 

stitution  of  the  Potomac  Company  for  their  Annual 
meeting,  and  as  you  seem  resolved  to  relinquish  your 
present  office  as  President, — I  wish  you  would  turn 
your  thoughts  attentively  to  the  situation  of  it,  and 
revolve  seriously  on  characters  fit,  and  proper  to  supply 
the  places,  of  those  who  perhaps  ought  to,  as  well  as 
those  who  will  quit  the  Directorship;  that  our  struggles 
in  that  interesting  and  expencive  concern — the  labour 
of  years,  may  not  end  in  disgrace  &  loss. 

The  little  leisure  I  had  before  my  late  appointment 
(from  visits, — my  necessary  rides— &  other  occurren- 
cies)  to  overhaul,  arrange  &  separate  papers  of  real, 
from  those  of  little  or  no  value,  is  now,  by  that  event, 
so  much  encroached  upon  by  personal  &  written  ap 
plications  for  Offices,  &  other  matters  incidental  to  the 
situation  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  that  without  as 
sistance  I  must  abandon  all  idea  of  accomplishing  this 
necessary  work  before  I  embark  in  new  scenes,  which 
will  render  them  more  voluminous,  &  of  course  more 
difficult, — a  measure  which  would  be  extremely  irk 
some  to  me  to  submit  to,  especially  as  it  respects  my 
accts. — which  are  yet  in  a  jumble — my  earnest  wish 
and  desire  being  when  I  quit  the  stage  of  human  action, 
to  leave  all  matters  in  such  a  situation,  as  to  give  as 
little  trouble  as  possible  to  those  who  will  have  the 
management  of  them  thereafter. 

Under  this  view  of  my  situtation, — which  is  far  from 
being  an  agreeable  one; — and  at  times  fills  me  with 
deep  concern — when  I  perceive  so  little  prospect  of 
complete  extrication — I  have  written  to  the  Secretary 
of  War  to  be  informed  whether  (as  my  taking  the  field 
is  contingent,  &  no  pay  or  emolument  will  accrue  to 
myself  untill  then)  I  am  at  liberty  to  appoint  my  Sec 
retary  immediately;  who  shall  be  allowed  his  pay  and 
Forage  from  the  moment  he  joins  me.  If  he  answers 
in  the  affirmative  on  those  terms,  can  you  do  this? 


i26        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Have  you  heard  from  the  master  of  the  Academy  at 
Charlestown?  At  any  rate  my  opinion  is  you  had  bet 
ter,  with  the  least  possible  delay  get  the  boys  fixed 
permanently  at  some  good  School, — they  will  other 
wise  loose  precious  moments.  Let  me  hear  from  you. 
I  am  in  haste  but  always 

Your  Affecttionate 


No.  88. 

Thursday  night 

3oth.  Augt.  1798. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have,  at  length,  received  the  President's  answer 
(through  the  Secretary  of  War)  to  my  request  to  be 
allowed  a  Secretary,  who  gives  it  as  his  opinion  that 
I  have  an  undoubted  right  to  one,  or  all  of  my  military 
family,  if  I  find  it  convenient,  and  that  their  pay  &c. 
will  be  allowed. 

And  the  Secretary  having  thrown  a  mass  of  Papers 
upon  me  which  I  have  not  looked  into  (being  this  mo 
ment  arrived)  I  should  be  glad  if  you  would  now  come 
&  take  your  station. 

Yrs.  always  &  Affectly. 


No.  89. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  March  i8th.  1799. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  recollect  no  business  of  sufficient  importance  to  re 
quire  your  return  hither,  sooner  than  Doctr.  Thorn- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  127 

ton  conceives  will  allow  him  sufficient  time  to  effect 
your  cure.  Were  the  case  however  otherwise,  far 
would  it  be  from  me,  to  request  this  return  before 
so  desirable  an  object  is  accomplished.  I  do  not 
therefore  wish  you  to  hurry  it  on  account  of  my 
business. 

Charles  takes  a  horse  up  for  Washington,  which  I 
pray  may  be  sent  to  Mr.  Laws — or  wherever  he  is. 

Mrs.  Washington  &  myself  are  as  you  left  us,  &  join 
in  best  wishes  for  Doctor  Thornton's  success  in  your 
Case.  With  very  great  esteem,  &  compliments  to 
enquiring  friends  I  am 

Your  Affectionate 


No.  90. 

MOUNT  VERNON  26th.  March  1799. 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  24th.  Inst.  enclosing  one  from 
Major  Rivardi  was  delivered  to  me  last  night. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  that  you  are  recovering  from 
your  lameness,  and  repeat  the  wish  contained  in  my 
last  that  you  would  use  the  means  for  perfect  restora 
tion,  and  remain  as  long  with  Doctr.  Thornton  as  he 
may  conceive  advisable. 

With  respect  to  the  letter  from  Major  Rivardi,  it 
would  be  proper  to  send  it,  by  my  direction,  to  Genl. 
Hamilton  that  he  may  issue  such  orders  in  consequence 
thereof  as  to  him  shall  appear  to  suit  the  occasion ;  in 
forming  the  Major  thereof.  Refering  him  to  my  for 
mer  letter  for  the  mode  of  his  communications  in  future. 

Mrs.  Washington  has  had  (it  is  now  better)  a  very 
bad  Cold  in  other  respects  the  family  are  as  well  as  usu- 


128         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

al,  &  unite  with  me  in  good  wishes  for  you  &  Complts. 
to  Doctr.  Thornton's  family. 

I  am  Yr.  Sincere  friend  & 
AfEecte.  Servt. 


P.  S. 

If  you  should  happen  to  see  Mr.  Blagden,  pray  ask 
him  when  he  expects  to  be  in  mortar — in  other  words, 
when  he  expects  to  lay  the  foundation  stone. 


No.  91. 

MOUNT  VERNON  3ist.  March  1799. 

Dear  Sir, 

If  perchance  you  should  happen  to  see  Mr.  Blagden 
before  you  leave  the  City,  be  so  good  as  to  get  from  him 
a  statement  of  the  preparations  for  my  buildings  there 
in.  I  do  not  find  by  inquiry  of  Mr.  Lewis,  that  there 
is  much  show  of  this  on  the  ground !  I  advised  strongly 
that  the  foundation  stone  and  lime,  should  be  laid  in 
last  Autumn,  when  the  Roads  were  good ; — had  this  been 
done  the  Work  might  have  commenced  (without  the 
the  hazard  of  disappointment)  with  the  opening  of 
Spring.  Now,  bad  Roads,  &  multiplied  excuses  may 
be  a  plea  for  the  backwardness  of  the  Work. 

I  pray  you  also  to  enquire  if  there  be  any  advice  of 
the  arrival  of  the  Ship  Hamilton  (on  board  of  which  I 
had  six  Hhds.  of  Tobo.)  at  London.  We  all  unite  in 
best  wishes  for  you — and  I  am  Your  Affecte  friend 

Do  not  forget  my  Gardener's 
Dictionary   at   Mr.   Laws. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  129 

A  TRUE  COPY,  MADE  AT  MRS.  LEAR'S 

REQUEST,  FROM  THE  DIARY 

OF  COL.  LEAR: 

Saturday,  Deer.  i4th.  1799. 

This  day  being  marked  by  an  event  which  will  be 
memorable  in  the  History  of  America,  and  perhaps  of 
the  World,  I  shall  give  a  particular  statement  of  it,  to 
which  I  was  an  eye  witness — 


The  last  illness  and  death  of 
General  Washington 


On  Thursday  Deer.  i2th.  the  General  rode  out  to  his 
farms  about  ten  o'clock,  and  did  not  return  home  till 
past  three.  Soon  after  he  went  out  the  weather  be 
came  very  bad,  rain,  hail,  and  snow  falling  alternately 
with  a  cold  wind:  When  he  came  in,  I  carried  some 
letters  to  him  to  frank,  intending  to  send  them  to  the 
Post-Office  in  the  evening.  He  franked  the  letters; 
but  said  the  Weather  was  too  bad  to  send  a  servant  to 
the  Office  that  evening.  I  observed  to  him  that  I  was 
afraid  he  had  got  wet;  he  said  no,  his  great  Coat  had 
kept  him  dry ;  but  his  neck  appeared  to  be  wet,  and  the 
snow  was  hanging  upon  his  hair.  He  came  to  dinner 
(which  had  been  Waiting  for  him)  without  changing 
his  dress.  In  the  evening  he  appeared  as  well  as  usual. 

A  heavy  fall  of  snow  took  place  on  Friday  (which 
prevented  the  General  from  riding  out  as  usual.  He 
had  taken  cold  (undoubtedly  from  being  so  much  ex 
posed  the  day  before)  and  complained  of  a  sore  throat : 
he  however  went  out  in  the  afternoon  into  the  ground 
between  the  House  and  the  River  to  mark  some  trees 


i3o         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

which  were  to  be  cut  down  in  the  improvement  of  that 
spot.  He  had  a  Hoarseness  which  increased  in  the  eve 
ning  ;  but  he  made  light  of  it.  In  the  evening  the  Pa 
pers  were  brought  from  the  Post  Office,  and  he  sat  in  the 
Parlour,  with  Mrs.  Washington  &  myself  reading  them 
till  about  nine  o'clock — when  Mrs.  W.  went  up  into 
Mrs.  Lewis's  room,  who  was  confined  in  Child  Bed,  and 
left  the  General  &  myself  reading  the  papers.  He  was 
very  cheerful  and  when  he  met  with  anything  interest 
ing  or  entertaining,  he  wd.  read  it  aloud  as  well  as  his 
hoarseness  would  permit  him.  He  requested  me  to 
read  to  him  the  debates  of  the  Virginia  Assembly  on 
the  election  of  a  Senator  and  a  Governor ; — and  on  hear 
ing  Mr.  Madison's  observations  respecting  Mr.  Monroe, 
he  appeared  much  affected  and  spoke  with  some  de 
gree  of  asperity  on  the  subject,  which  I  endeavoured  to 
moderate,  as  I  always  did  on  such  occasions.  On  his 
retiring  I  observed  to  him  that  he  had  better  take  some 
thing  to  remove  his  cold.  He  answered  no;  "  you 
"know  I  never  take  any  thing  for  a  cold.  Let  it 
"go  as  it  came." 

Between  two  &  three  o'clock  on  Saturday  morning, 
he  awoke  Mrs.  Washington,  and  told  her  he  was  very 
unwell,  and  had  had  an  ague.  She  observed  that  he 
could  scarcely  speak  and  breathed  with  difficulty ;  and 
would  have  got  up  to  call  a  Servant ;  but  he  would  not 
permit  her  lest  she  should  take  cold.  As  soon  as  the 
day  appeared,  the  Woman  (Caroline)  went  into  the 
Room  to  make  a  fire,  and  Mrs.  Washington  sent  her  im 
mediately  to  call  me.  I  got  up,  put  on  my  clothes  as 
quickly  as  possible,  and  went  to  his  Chamber.  Mrs. 
Washington  was  then  up,  and  related  to  me  his  being 
taken  ill  as  before  stated.  I  found  the  General  breath 
ing  with  difficulty,  and  hardly  able  to  utter  a  word  in 
telligibly.  He  desired  that  Mr.  Rawlins  (one  of  the 
overseers)  might  be  sent  for  to  bleed  him  before  the 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  131 

Dr.  could  arrive.  I  dispatched  a  servant  instantly  for 
Rawlins,  and  another  for  Dr.  Craik,  and  returned  again 
to  the  General's  Chamber,  where  I  found  him  in  the 
same  situation  as  I  had  left  him.  A  mixture  of  Mo 
lasses,  Vinegar  &  butter  was  prepared  to  try  its  effects 
in  the  throat ;  but  he  could  not  swallow  a  drop.  When 
ever  he  attempted  it  he  appeared  to  be  distressed,  con 
vulsed  and  almost  suffocated.  Rawlins  came  in  soon 
after  sun  rise,  and  prepared  to  bleed  him.  When  the 
arm  was  ready  the  General  observing  that  Rawlins 
appeared  to  be  agitated,  said,  as  well  as  he  could  speak 
"Don't  be  afraid."  And  after  the  incision  was  made, 
he  observed,  "  The  orifice  is  not  large  enough."  How 
ever  the  blood  ran  pretty  freely.  Mrs.  Washington 
not  knowing  whether  bleeding  was  proper  or  not  in  the 
General's  situation,  begged  that  much  might  not  be 
taken  from  him,  lest  it  should  be  injurious,  and  desired 
me  to  stop  it ;  but  when  I  was  about  to  untie  the  string 
the  General  put  up  his  hand  to  prevent  it,  and  as  soon 
as  he  could  speak,  said — "More,  more."  Mrs.  Wash 
ington  being  still  very  uneasy  lest  too  much  blood 
should  be  taken,  it  was  stopped  after  taking  about  half 
a  pint.  Finding  that  no  relief  was  obtained  from  bleed 
ing,  and  that  nothing  would  go  down  the  throat,  I  pro 
posed  bathing  it  externally  with  salvolatila,  which  was 
done ;  and  in  the  operation,  which  was  with  the  hand, 
and  in  the  gentlest  manner,  he  observed  "  tis  very  sore. " 
A  piece  of  flannel  dip'd  in  salvolatila  was  put  around 
his  neck,  and  his  feet  bathed  in  warm  water;  but 
without  affording  any  relief. 

In  the  mean  time,  before  Dr.  Craik  arrived  Mrs. 
Washington  desired  me  to  send  for  Dr.  Brown  of  Post 
Tobacco,  whom  Dr.  Craik  had  recommended  to  be 
called,  if  any  case  should  ever  occur  that  was  seriously 
alarming.  I  dispatched  a  messenger  (Cyrus)  immedi 
ately  for  Dr,  Brown  (between  8  &  9  o'clock).  Dr. 


132         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Craik  came  in  soon  after,  and  upon  examining  the  Gen 
eral,  he  put  a  blister  of  Cantharides  on  the  throat,  took 
some  more  blood  from  him,  and  had  a  gargle  of  Vinegar 
&  sage  tea,  and  ordered  some  Vinegar  and  hot  water 
for  him  to  inhale  the  steam  which  he  did ; — but  in  at 
tempting  to  use  the  gargle  he  was  almost  suffocated. 
When  the  gargle  came  from  his  throat  some  phlegm 
followed  it,  and  he  attempted  to  Cough,  which  the  Doc 
tor  encouraged  him  to  do  as  much  as  possible ;  but  he 
could  only  attempt  it.  About  eleven  o'clock  Dr. 
Craik  requested  that  Dr.  Dick  might  be  sent  for,  as  he 
feared  Dr.  Brown  would  not  come  in  time.  A  messen 
ger  was  accordingly  dispatched  for  him.  About  this 
time  the  General  was  bled  again.  No  effect  however 
was  produced  by  it,  and  he  remained  in  the  same  state, 
unable  to  swallow  anything.  A  blister  was  adminis 
tered  about  12  o'clock,  which  produced  an  evacuation; 
but  caused  no  alteration  in  his  complaint. 

Dr.  Dick  came  in  about  3  o'clock,  and  Dr.  Brown  ar 
rived  soon  after.  Upon  Dr.  Dick's  seeing  the  General 
and  consulting  a  few  minutes  with  Dr.  Craik  he  was 
bled  again ;  the  blood  came  very  slow,  was  thick,  and 
did  not  produce  any  symptoms  of  fainting.  Dr. 
Brown  came  into  the  chamber  soon  after;  and  upon 
feeling  the  General's  pulse  &c.  the  Physicians  went  out 
together.  Dr.  Craik  returned  soon  after.  The  General 
could  now  swallow  a  little.  Calomel  &  tarter  em.  were 
administered,  but  without  any  effect. 

About  half  past  4  o'clock  he  desired  me  to  call  Mrs. 
Washington  to  his  bed  side,  when  he  requested  her  to 
go  down  into  his  room,  and  take  from  his  desk  two  Wills 
which  she  would  find  there,  and  bring  them  to  him, 
which  she  did.  Upon  looking  at  them  he  gave  her  one, 
which  he  observed  was  useless,  as  being  superseded  by 
the  other,  and  desired  her  to  burn  it,  which  she  did,  and 
took  the  othejr  and  put  it  into  her  Closet. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  133 

After  this  was  done,  I  returned  to  his  bed  side,  and 
took  his  hand.  He  said  to  me,  "/  find  I  am  going,  my 
breath  can  not  last  long.  I  believed  from  the  first  that  the 
disorder  would  prove  fatal.  Do  you  arrange  and  record 
all  my  late  military  letters  and  papers.  Arrange  my 
accounts  and  settle  my  books,  as  you  know  more  about  them 
than  any  one  else,  and  let  Mr.  Rawlins  finish  recording 
my  other  letters  which  he  has  begun.11  I  told  him  this 
should  be  done.  He  then  asked  if  I  recollected  any 
thing  which  it  was  essential  for  him  to  do,  as  he  had 
but  a  very  short  time  to  continue  among  us.  I  told 
him  I  could  recollect  nothing;  but  that  I  hoped  he 
was  not  so  near  his  end ;  he  observed  smiling,  that  he 
certainly  was,  and  that  as  it  was  the  debt  that  all 
must  pay,  he  looked  to  the  event  with  perfect  resigna 
tion. 

In  the  course  of  the  afternoon  he  appeared  to  be  in 
great  pain  and  distress,  from  the  difficulty  of  breathing, 
and  frequently  changed  his  position  in  the  bed.  On 
these  occasions  I  lay  upon  the  bed,  and  endeavoured  to 
raise  him,  and  turn  him  with  as  much  care  as  possible. 
He  appeared  penetrated  with  gratitude  for  my  atten 
tions,  &  often  said,  I  am  afraid  I  shall  fatigue  you  too 
much,  and  upon  my  assuring  him  that  I  could  feel  noth 
ing  but  a  wish  to  give  him  ease,  he  replied,  "  Well  it  is 
a  debt  we  must  pay  to  each  other,  and  I  hope  when  you 
want  aid  of  this  kind  you  will  find  it." 

He  asked  when  Mr.  Lewis  &  Washington  Custis 
would  return,  (they  were  in  New  Kent)  I  told  him 
about  the  2oth.  of  the  month. 

About  5  o'clock  Dr.  Craik  came  again  into  the  room 
&  upon  going  to  the  bed  side  the  Genl.  said  to  him, 
Doctor,  I  die  hard;  but  I  am  not  afraid  to  go;  I  believed 
from  my  first  attack  that  I  should  not  survive  it;  my 
breath  can  not  last  long. 

The  Doctor  pressed  his  hand,  but  could  not  utter  a 


i34         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

word.  He  retired  from  the  bed  side,  &  sat  by  the  fire 
absorbed  in  grief. 

Between  5  &  6  o'clk  Dr.  Dick  &  Dr.  Brown  came 
into  the  room,  and  with  Dr.  Craik  went  to  the  bed; 
when  Dr.  Craik  asked  him  if  he  could  sit  up  in  the  bed? 
He  held  out  his  hand  &  I  raised  him  up.  He  then  said 
to  the  Physicians,  '*  I  feel  myself  going,  I  thank  you  for 
"  your  attentions ;  but  I  pray  you  to  take  no  more 
"trouble  about  me,  let  me  go  off  quietly,  I  can  not  last 
"long."  They  found  that  all  which  had  been  done  was 
without  effect;  he  laid  down  again  and  all  retired  ex 
cept  Dr.  Craik.  He  continued  in  the  same  situation, 
uneasy  &  restless,  but  without  complaining;  fre 
quently  asking  what  hour  it  was.  When  I  helped  him 
to  move  at  this  time  he  did  not  speak,  but  looked  at  me 
with  strong  expressions  of  gratitude. 

About  8  o'clock  the  Physicians  came  again  into  the 
room  and  applied  blisters  and  cataplasms  of  wheat 
bran  to  his  legs  and  feet;  after  which  they  went  out 
(except  Dr.  Craik)  without  a  ray  of  hope.  I  went  out 
about  this  time  and  wrote  a  line  to  Mr.  Law  &  Mr. 
Peter,  requesting  them  to  come  with  their  wives  (Mrs. 
Washington's  Granddaughters)  as  soon  as  possible  to 
Mt.  Vernon. 

About  ten  o'clk  he  made  several  attempts  to  speak 
to  me  before  he  could  effect  it,  at  length  he  said, — 
"/  am  just  going.  Have  me  decently  buried;  and  do 
not  let  my  body  be  put  into  ike  Vault  in  less  than  three 
days  after  I  am  dead. "  I  bowed  assent,  for  I  could  not 
speak.  He  then  looked  at  me  again  and  said, "Do  you 
understand  me?  I  replied  "Yes."  "TVs  well"  said  he. 

About  ten  minutes  before  he  expired  (which  was  be 
tween  ten  &  eleven  o  'elk)  his  breathing  became  easier ; 
he  lay  quietly ; — he  withdrew  his  hand  from  mine,  and 
felt  his  own  pulse.  I  saw  his  countenance  change.  I 
spoke  to  Dr.  Craik  who  sat  by  the  fire; — he  came  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  135 

the  bed  side.  The  General's  hand  fell  from  his  wrist — 
I  took  it  in  mine  and  put  it  into  my  bosom.  Dr.Craik 
put  his  hands  over  his  eyes  and  he  expired  without  a 
struggle  or  a  sigh! 

While  we  were  fixed  in  silent  grief,  Mrs .  Washington 
(who  was  sitting  at  the  foot  of  the  bed)  asked  with  a 
firm  &  collected  voice,  Is  he  gone?  I  could  not 
speak,  but  held  up  my  hand  as  a  signal  that  he  was  no 
more.  'Tis  well,  said  she  in  the  same  voice,  "  All  is 
now  over  I  shall  soon  follow  him!  I  have  no  more  trials 
to  pass  through!" 


OCCURRENCES  NOT  NOTED  IN  THE  PRECEDING 
NARRATIVE. 

The  General's  servant  Christopher  was  in  the  room 
through  the  day ;  and  in  the  afternoon  the  General  di 
rected  him  to  sit  down,  as  he  had  been  standing  almost 
the  whole  day;  he  did  so. 

About  8  o'clock  in  the  morning  he  expressed  a  de 
sire  to  get  up.  His  clothes  were  put  on  and  he  was 
led  to  a  chair  by  the  fire.  He  found  no  relief  from  this 
position,  and  lay  down  again  about  10  o'clk.  About 
5  P.  M.  he  was  helped  up  again  &  after  sitting  about 
half  an  hour  desired  to  be  undressed  &  put  in  bed; 
which  was  done. 

During  his  whole  illness  he  spoke  but  seldom,  and 
with  great  difficulty;  and  in  so  low  &  broken  a  voice 
as  at  times  hardly  to  be  understood.  His  patience, 
fortitude,  &  resignation  never  forsook  him  for  a  mo 
ment.  In  all  his  distress  he  uttered  not  a  sigh,  nor  a 


136         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

complaint;  always  endeavouring  (from  a  sense  of 
duty  as  it  appeared)  to  take  what  was  offered  him,  and 
to  do  as  he  was  desired  by  the  Physicians. 

At  the  time  of  his  decease  Dr.  Craik  and  myself  were 
in  the  situation  before  mentioned;  Mrs.  Washington 
was  sitting  near  the  foot  of  the  bed.  Christopher  was 
standing  by  the  bedside.  Caroline  Molly  &  Charlotte 
were  in  the  room  standing  near  the  door.  Mrs. 
Forbes  the  House  keeper,  was  frequently  in  the  room 
during  the  day  and  evening. 

As  soon  as  Dr.  Craik  could  speak  after  the  distress 
ing  scene  was  closed,  he  desired  one  of  the  servants  to 
ask  the  Gentln.  below  to  come  upstairs.  When  they 
came  to  the  bedside;  I  kissed  the  cold  hand  which  I 
had  held  to  my  bosom;  laid  it  down,  &  went  to  the 
other  end  of  the  room ;  where  I  was  for  some  time  lost 
in  profound  grief;  until  aroused  by  Christopher  de 
siring  me  to  take  care  of  the  General's  keys  and  other 
things  which  were  taken  out  of  his  pockets ;  and  which 
Mrs.  Washington  directed  him  to  give  to  me:  I 
wrapped  them  in  the  General's  handkerchief,  &  took 
them  with  me  to  my  room. 

About  12  o'clk  the  Corpse  was  brought  down  stairs, 
and  laid  out  in  the  large  room. 


Sunday  Deer.  i5th.  1800. 

The  above  statement  so  far  as  I  can  recollect  is 
correct. 

JAS.  CRAIK. 


Sunday  Deer.  i5th.  1799. 

Fair  Weather. 

Mrs.  Washington  sent  for  me  in  the  Morning  and  de 
sired  I  would  send  up  to  Alxa.  and  have  a  Coffin  made  : 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  137 

which  I  did.  Doctor  Dick  measured  the  body,  the 
dimensions  of  which  were  as  follows 

In  length          5  feet  3^  inchs.  exact. 
Across  the  shoulders     i  9 

Across  the  elbows         a 

After  breakfast  I  gave  Dr.  Dick  &  Dr.  Brown  forty 
dollars  each,  which  sum  Dr.  Craik  advised  as  very 
proper;  and  they  left  us  after  breakfast. 

I  wrote  letters  to  the  following  persons  informing 
them  of  the  late  melancholy  event. 

The  President  of  the  United  States 
General   Hamilton 
Genl.  Pinckney 
Bushrod  Washington 
Col.  W.  A.  Washington 
Lawrence  Lewis 
G.  W.  P.  Custis 
Geo.  S.  Washington 
Saml.  Washington 
Colo.  Ball 

Capt.  Hammond — also  to 

John  Lewis,  desiring  him  to  inform  his  Brothers, 
George,  Robert  &  Howells. 

The  letters  were  sent  by  the  following  conveyances — 

To  the  President,  Genl.  Hamilton,  &  John  Lewis  by 
the  Mail. 

To  Col.  W.  A.  Washington,  to  &  Bushrod  Washing 
ton  by  express  to  Colo.  Blackburn,  requesting  him  to 
forward  them  by  the  same  conveyance. 

To  L.  Lewis,  &  G.  W.  P.  Custis  by  express.  To  Gen 
eral  Pinckney,  Col.  Ball,  Saml.  Washington,  G.  S. 
Washington,  &  Capt.  Hammond,  by  my  own  servant 
Charles,  with  my  riding  horse. 


138         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Mrs.  Stuart  was  sent  for  in  the  Morning.  About  10 
o'clk,  Mr.  Thos.  Peter  came  down;  and  about  two, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Law  to  whom  I  had  written  on  Saturday 
Eveng.  Dr.  Thornton  came  down  with  Mr.  Law.  Dr. 
Craik  tarried  all  day  &  all  night. 

In  the  evening  I  consulted  with  Mr.  Law,  Mr.  Peter 
&  Dr.  Craik  on  fixing  a  day  for  depositing  the  Body  in 
the  Vault.  I  wished  the  ceremony  to  be  postponed 
until  the  last  of  the  week,  to  give  time  to  some  of  the 
General's  relations  to  be  here:  But  Dr.  Craik  &  Dr. 
Thornton  gave  it  decidedly  as  their  opinion,  that  con 
sidering  the  disorder  of  which  the  General  died,  being 
of  an  inflamatory  nature,  it  would  not  be  proper, 
nor  perhaps  safe,  to  keep  the  body  so  long ;  and  there 
fore  Wednesday  was  fixed  upon  for  the  funeral,  to 
allow  a  day  (Thursday)  in  case  the  weather  should  be 
unfavorable  on  Wednesday. 

Monday,  Deer.  i6th.  1799. 

I  directed  the  people  to  open  the  family  Vault,  clean 
away  the  rubbish  from  about  it,  and  make  everything 
decent.  Ordered  a  door  to  be  made  to  the  Vault,  in 
stead  of  closing  it  again  with  brick,  as  had  been  the  cus 
tom.  Engaged  Mr.  Inglis  and  Mr.  McMunn  to  have  a 
Mahogany  Coffin  made,  lined  with  lead,  in  which  the 
body  was  to  be  deposited. 

Dr.  Craik,  Mr.  Peter,  &  Dr.  Thornton  left  us  after 
breakfast.  Mrs.  Stuart  &  her  daughters  came  in  the 
afternoon.  Mr.  Anderson  went  to  Alxa.  to  get  a  num 
ber  of  things  preparatory  for  the  funeral.  Mourng.  was 
ordered  for  the  Family  Domestics  and  Overseers. 

Having  received  information  from  Alexa.  that  the 
Militia,  Freemasons  &c.  were  determined  to  show  their 
respect  to  the  General's  Memory  by  attending  his  body 
to  the  Grave,  I  directed  provision  to  be  prepared  for  a 
large  number  of  people,  as  some  refreshment  would  be 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  139 

expected  by  them.  Mr.  Robert  Hamilton  wrote  me 
a  letter  informing  that  a  Schooner  of  his  wd.  be  off 
Mount  Vernon  to  fire  Minute  guns  when  the  body  was 
carrying  to  the  grave.  Gave  notice  of  the  time  fixed 
for  the  funeral  to  the  following  persons  by  Mrs.  Wash 
ington's  desire,  viz — Mr.  Mason  &  family — Mr.  Peake 
&  family — Mr.  Nickols  &  family — Mr.  McCarty  &  fam 
ily — Miss  McCarty — Mr.  &  Mrs.  McClanahan — Lord 
Fairfax  &  family — Mr.  Triplet  &  family — Mr.  Anderson 
&  family — Mr.  Diggs,  Mr.  Cockburn  &  family — Mr. 
Massey  &  family — Mr.  R.  West.  I  wrote  also  to  the 
Revd.  Mr.  Davis,  to  read  the  service. 


Tuesday — Deer.   lyth.   1799. 

Every  preparation  for  the  mournful  ceremony  was 
making.  Mr.  Diggs  came  here  in  the  forenoon.  Also 
Mr.  Stewart,  Adjutant  to  the  Alexa.  Regimt.  to  view 
the  ground  for  the  procession. 

About  one  o'clock  the  Coffin  was  brought  from  Alexa. 
in  a  stage.  Mr.  Ingle  &  Mr.  McMunn  accpmpanied  it. 
Also  Mr.  Grater  with  a  shroud.  The  Body  was  laid 
in  the  Coffin — at  which  time  I  cut  off  some  of  the  hair. 

The  Mahogany  Coffin  was  lined  with  lead,  soddered 
at  the  joints — and  a  cover  of  lead  to  be  soddered  on 
after  the  body  should  be  in  the  Vault.  The  whole  was 
put  into  a  case  lined  &  covered  with  black  Cloth. 

Wednesday  Deer.  i8th.  1799. 

About  eleven  o'clk  numbers  of  people  began  to  as 
semble  to  attend  the  funeral,  which  was  intended  to 
have  been  at  twelve,  but  as  a  great  part  of  the  Troop 
expected  could  not  get  down  in  time,  it  did  not  take 
place  till  three. 

Eleven  pieces  of  Artillery  were  brot.  from  Alexa.  and 


1 40         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

a  Schooner  belonging  to  Mr.  R.  Hamilton  came  down 
&  lay  off  Mt.  Vernon  to  fire  Minute  guns. 

About  3  o'clock  the  procession  began  to  move.  The 
arrangements  of  the  procession  were  made  by  Colonels 
Little,  Simms  &  Deneale,  and  Dr.  Dick.  The  Pall 
holders  were  Colonels  Little,  Simms,  Payne,  Gilpin, 
Ramsey  and  Marsteler.  Coll.  Blackburn  preceded 
the  Corpse.  Coll.  Deneale  marched  with  the  Military. 
The  procession  moved  out  of  the  Gate  at  the  left  Wing 
of  the  House,  and  proceeded  round  in  front  of  the  lawn, 
&  down  to  the  Vault  on  the  right  wing  of  the  House. 
The  Procession  as  follows 

The  Troops,  Horse  &  foot 
Music  playing  a  solemn  Dirge 
The   Clergy— viz.      The  Revd. 

Mr.  Davis 

Mr.  Muir 

Mr.  Moffatt 

&  Mr.  Addison 

The  General's  horse,  with  his  saddle,  Holster, 
Pistols  &c.  led  by  his  two  grooms,  Cyrus  &  Wilson  in 
black. 

The  Body  borne  by  the  Free  Masons  &  Officers. 
Principal  Mourners — viz 

Mrs.  Stuart,  &  Mrs.  Law 

Misses  Nancy  &  Sally  Stuart 

Miss  Fairfax  &  Miss  Dennison 

Mr.  Law,  &  Mr.  Peter 

Mr.  Lear  &  Dr.  Craik. 

Lord  Fairfax  &  Ferdd.  Fairfax. 
Lodge  No.  23. 

Corporation  of  Alexandria. 
All  other  persons  preceded  by 
Mr.  Anderson  &  the  Overseers. 
When  the  Body  arrived  at  the  Vault  the  Revd.  Mr. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  141 

Davis  read  the  service  &  pronounced  a  short  extempore 
speech. 

The  Masons  performed  their  ceremonies,  &  the  Body 
was  deposited  in  the  Vault.  !  !  !  ! 

After  the  Ceremony  the  Company  returned  to  the 
house  where  they  took  some  refreshment,  &  retired 
in  good  order.  The  remains  of  the  provisions  were 
distributed  among  the  blacks. 

Mr.  Peter,  Dr.  Craik  &  Dr.  Thornton  tarried  here  all 
night. 

When  the  Ceremony  was  over  I  retired  to  my  room 
(leaving  to  Mr.  Law  &  Mr.  Diggs  the  care  of  the  Com 
pany)  to  give  a  loose  to  those  feelings  which  I  had  been 
able  to  keep  under  control,  while  I  found  it  necessary 
for  me  to  give  a  personal  attention  to  the  preparations 
for  interring  the  body  of  my  deceased  friend. 

What  those  feelings  were  is  not  to  be  told,  if  it  were 
even  possible  to  describe! 

Monday  Deer.  23d.  1799. 
Employed  as  yesterday. 

Tuesday  Deer.  24th.  1799. 

Spent  the  day  in  looking  over  &  arranging  papers  in 
the  General's  Study. 

Wednesday  Deer.  25th.  1799. 

I  this  day  sent  to  Alexa.  for  the  Plumber  to  come 
down  &  close  the  leaden  Coffin  containing  the  General's 
Body,  as  Judge  Washington  had  arrived,  and  did  not 
incline  to  see  the  remains.  The  Plumbers  came.  I 
went  with  them  to  the  Tomb — I  took  a  last  look — a 
last  farewell  of  that  face,  which  still  appeared  unal 
tered.  I  attended  the  Closing  of  the  Coffin — and  be 
held  for  the  last  time  that  face  wh.  shall  be  seen  no 
more  here ;  but  wh.  I  hope  to  meet  in  Heaven. 


142         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MISCELLANEOUS  LETTERS  REVEALING 

THE  GREAT  STATESMAN'S  MODE  OF 

LIFE  AT  MT.  VERNON 

PHILADELPHIA,  June  3oth.,  1792. 
Sir, 

I  little  expected  that  I  should  have  had  occasion,  at 
this  time  (after  the  pointed  assurances  you  gave  me 
more  than  three  years  ago,  of  discharging  what  was 
due  to  me,  fully)  to  remind  you  that  I  have  received 
only  Three  hundred  and  eighty  pds.  of  the  balance; 
and  to  ask  what  I  am  to  expect  from  you  in  the  future.- 

I  delayed  from  day  to  day  while  you  were  in  this 
City  (until  it  was  too  late)  to  apply  to  you  on  this  sub 
ject,  in  hope,  of  an  expectation  that  you  would  not 
have  left  town  without  mentioning  it  yourself. 

Before  I  apply  to  the  Executors  of  Colonels  Tayloe  & 
Thornton  who  were  securities  for  the  money  loaned  to 
your  deceased  father,  John  Mercer  Esqr.  I  will  await 
the  receipt  of  your  answer  to  the  letter  which  I  hope 
will  be  given  as  soon  as  you  can  make  it  convenient. — 

It  has  been  of  little  avail  hitherto,  to  inform  you  of 
the  causes  of  my  want  of  this  money,  although  in  more 
instances  than  one,  I  have  done  it  with  the  utmost 
truth  and  candour;  should  I  say  anything  further  to 
you  on  this  head  now,  were  I  not  in  a  manner  compelled 
to  declare  that  from  an  occurrence  which  did  not  exist 
before  have  a  call  upon  me,  for  a  considerable  sum,  in  a 
few  months;  against  which  it  is  indispensably  neces 
sary  that  I  should  be  provided. — 
I  am — Sir 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

To  JOHN  FRANCIS  MERCER. 


OP  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  143 

PHILADELPHIA,   Augt.    26th,    1793. 
Sir, 

I  intended  to  have  written  to  you  somewhat  sooner, 
but  business  of  a  public  nature  and  pressing,  prevented 
it  until  now. — 

Although  I  have  conviction  in  my  own  mind,  that  a 
hundred  guineas  pr.  annum  is  more  than  my  Mount 
Vernon  Estate  will  enable  me  to  give  the  Superintend 
ent  of  it ;  yet,  the  satisfaction  (when  one  is  at  a  consider 
able  distance  from  property  they  possess,  under  circum 
stances  which  does  not  allow  much  thought  thereon) 
of  having  a  person  in  whom  confidence  can  be  placed 
as  a  manager,  is  such,  as  to  dispose  me  to  allow  you  that 
sum;  provided  other  matters  can  be  adjusted  to  the 
mutual  convenience,  and  satisfaction  of  both  parties. 

As  you  were  about  to  depart  in  the  Stage  when  I  saw 
you  (and  which  I  knew  could  not  wait)  I  did  not  go  so 
much  into  detail  as  was  necessary  to  place  an  agreement 
upon  a  basis  to  avoid  mis-conception,  and  unpleasant 
disputes  thereafter;  and  besides  altho'  you  would  be 
upon  standing  wages,  which  in  the  opinion  of  some 
would  make  it  immaterial  (these  being  paid)  what  sort 
of  an  estate  you  overlooked ;  yet  my  opinion  of  a  sensi 
ble  and  a  discreet  man  is,  that  before  he  would  finally 
engage  he  would  view  the  estate  himself,  and  decide 
from  that  view,  whether  it  possessed  such  advantages 
as  would  enable  him  to  acquire  honour  as  well  as  profit 
from  the  management  thereof; — whether  he  could 
make  it  profitable  to  his  Employer  from  its  local  situa 
tion; — the  plans  proposed;  or  the  condition  in  which 
it  might  appear  to  him.  Whether  the  part  of  the 
Country,  the  accomodations,  the  water,  &ct.  were  to 
his  liking ; — with  other  considerations  which  will  admit 
no  evidence  equal  to  that  of  one's  own  observation,  to 
decide  ultimately  on  what  to  resolve. — 

Having  stated  a  fact,  and  given  my  ideas  of  what  I 


144         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

suppose  would  be  most  agreeable  for  you  to  do,  I  shall 
add,  that  if  nothing  more  than  I  foresee  at  present 
should  happen,  I  expect  to  be  at  Mount  Vernon  about 
the  2oth.  of  next  month,  for  a  stay  of  8  or  10  days. — If 
then  you  are  disposed  to  undertake  my  business,  and 
wish  to  see  the  nature  of  it,  and  the  present  state  of  it ; 
I  should  be  glad  to  see  you  there  about  that  time,  when 
every  necessary  arrangement  may  be  made  if  we  should 
finally  agree. 

From  Baltimore  to  Mount  Vernon  by  the  way  of  the 
Federal  City,  George  Town,  and  Alexandria,  is  59 
measured  Miles: — and  from  Annapolis  to  the  same 
place,  crossing  Potomac  at  Alexandria,  is  45  Miles; 
but  it  might  be  reduced  to  less  than  40  if  there  was  a 
ferry  opposite  to  my  house. — From  Baltimore  to  Alex 
andria  (through  the  above  places)  the  regular  Stages 
pass;  and  set  out  every  Monday,  Wednesday,  and 
Friday  from  the  former,  reaching  the  latter  the  same 
day;  from  whence  a  horse  could  be  hired  without 
difficulty,  I  believe,  to  carry  you  to  my  house,  distant 
9  miles.  I  mention  these  things  for  your  information, 
in  case  you  should  determine  to  go  there. 

If  you  resolve  to  meet  me  at  Mount  Vernon,  give  me 
notice  thereof  immediately;  and  if  business  or  any 
other  cause  should  render  it  impracticable  for  me  to  be 
there,  at  the  time,  I  will  inform  you,  soas  to  prevent 
your  setting  out. — 

I  informed  you  at  our  meeting,  that  I  had  eight  or 
ten  Negro  Carpenters  under  the  care  of  a  worthless 
White  man,  whom  I  had  forborn  to  turn  away  on  ac 
count  of  the  peculiar  circumstances  attending  his 
family. — But  I  suffer  so  much  from  his  negligence ; — 
By  his  bad  qualities ; — and  bad  examples ;  that  I  find 
it  indispensably  necessary  to  get  some  other  workman 
to  supply  his  place. — If  it  should  be  your  lot  to  superin 
tend  my  affairs,  your  own  ease,  as  well  as  my  interest, 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  145 

would  induce  you  to  look  out  for  a  successor  to  him, 
against  New  Years  day ; — if  not,  and  you  could  recom 
mend  a  proper  character  for  this  business,  it  would  be 
rendering  me  an  acceptable  service  to  do  it.  I  am  Sir — 
Your  Hble.  Servt. 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  WILLIAM  PEARCE. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Octr.  6th.  1793 
Mr.  Pearce, 

Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  our  agreement  with  my  signa 
ture  to  it. — 

Since  you  were  here,  Mrs.  Washington  the  Widow  of 
my  Nephew,  who  formerly  lived  at  this  place,  has  re 
solved  as  soon  as  we  leave  it,  to  remove  to  her  Brother's 
in  the  lower  part  of  this  State,  and  will  not,  I  believe, 
return  to  reside  at  it  again. — This  will  make  it  more 
convenient  and  agreeable,  both  for  yourself  and  me, 
that  you  should  live  the  Winter,  at  least,  at  my  Mansion 
house ;  as  it  will  allow  more  time  for  my  carpenters  to 
provide  for  Mr.  Crow,  and  to  put  the  place  he  lives  at  in 
better  repair  than  it  now  is  for  yourself,  if  there  should 
be  occasion  for  you  to  go  there ; — and  this  too,  under  your 
own  inspection. — 

The  right  wing  to  my  dwelling  house  as  you  possibly 
may  have  noticed,  and  heard  called  the  Hall  (being 
kept  altogether  for  the  use  of  Strangers)  has  two  good 
rooms  below  (with  tiled  floors)  and  as  many  above, 
all  with  fire  places. — This  will  accomodate  your  family 
(being  a  larger  house)  better  than  Crow's ;  and  by  being 
here,  you  will  have  the  use  of  my  Kitchen,  the  Cook 
belonging  thereto,  Frank  the  House  Servant,  a  boy  also 
in  the  House. — The  Stable,  Garden,  &ct.,  &ct.,  without 
any  additional  expense  to  me — at  the  same  time  that 
it  will,  by  placing  you  in  the  centre  of  the  business, 
ease  you  of  much  trouble ;  for  otherwise,  the  frequent 


i46         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

calls  for  Tools,  Nails,  Iron,  &ct.,  from  the  Store — and 
the  particular  attention  which  matters  abt.  the  Mansion 
house  will  require,  would  have  occasioned  you  many 
an  inconvenient  ride  here,  the  necessity  for  which  will 
be  entirely  superceded,  as  your  mornings  and  evenings 
will,  of  course,  be  spent  where  your  presence  will  be 
most  wanting. — 

As  I  am  never  sparing  (with  proper  aeconomy)  in 
furnishing  my  Farms  with  any,  and  every  kind  of  Tool 
and  Implement  that  is  calculated  to  do  good  and  neat 
work,  I  not  only  authorize  you  to  bring  the  kind  of 
ploughs  you  were  speaking  to  me  about,  but  any 
others,  the  utility  of  which  you  have  proved  from  your 
own  experience. — particularly  a  kind  of  hand  rake 
which  Mr.  Stuart  tells  me  are  used  on  the  Eastern  Shore 
of  Maryland  in  lieu  of  Hoes  for  Corn  at  a  certain  state 
of  its  growth — and  a  Scythe  and  Cradle  different  from 
those  used  with  us,  and  with  which  the  grain  is  laid 
much  better. — In  short  I  shall  begrudge  no  reasonable 
expense  that  will  contribute  to  the  improvement  and 
neatness  of  my  Farms ; — for  nothing  pleases  me  better 
than  to  see  them  in  good  order,  and  everything  trim, 
handsome,  and  thriving  about  them; — nor  nothing 
hurts  me  more  than  to  find  them  otherwise,  and  the 
tools  and  implements  laying  wherever  they  were  last 
used,  exposed  to  injuries  from  Rain,  sun,  &ct. — 

I  hope  you  will  endeavor  to  arrange  your  own  con 
cerns  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  here  as  much  before  the 
time  agreed  on  as  you  conveniently  can. — Great  ad 
vantages  to  me  will  result  from  this,  by  putting  the 
business  in  a  good  train  before  the  Fall  operations  are 
closed  by  the  frosts  of  Winter,  and  all  improvements 
are  thereby  at  an  end  for  that  season.  On  the  other 
hand,  inconveniences  to  yourself  may  arise  from  delay 
on  account  of  the  Weather — Navigation,  &ct;  there 
having  been  instances  of  this  River's  closing  with  Ice 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  147 

several  days  before  Christmas  which  might  prevent  the 
removal  of  yr  things  in  time. — That  your  living  at  the 
Mansion  may  be  attended  with  no  more  expence  to  you 
than  if  you  had  gone  to  the  other  place  (at  which  Crow 
now  lives)  on  account  of  Gentlemen,  who  now  and 
then  call  here  out  of  curiosity — as  they  are  passing 
through  the  Country — I  shall  lay  in  such  things  as 
will  be  necessary  for  this  purpose,  and  the  occasions 
(which  are  but  rare)  may  require. — 

I  expect  to  leave  this  place  about  the  28th.  of  the 
Month  for  Philadelphia,  or  the  neighborhood  of  it ;  any 
letter  therefore  which  shall  arrive  before  that  time  will 
find  me  here — afterwards  it  will  go  to  Philadelphia 
where  it  had  better  be  directed. 

I  am  your  friend  and  Servant 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  WILLIAM  PEARCE. 

MOUNT  VERNON  27th.  Oct.  1793 
Mr.  Pearce, 

Your  letter  of  the  igth  came  duly  to  hand. — To 
morrow  I  leave  this  for  Philadelpa  or  the  vicinity  of 
it ;  where,  when  you  have  occasion  to  write  to  me,  di 
rect  your  letters. — 

As  you  seemed  to  be  in  doubt  whether  a  proper  \ 
character  could  be  engaged  in  ye  part  of  the  Country  ! 
you  live  in,  to  look  after  my  Negro  Carpenters;  and  I 
(having  much  work  to  do  in  their  way,  and  not  being 
willing  to  leave  matters  at  an  uncertainty  )  I  have  en 
gaged  the  person  who  superintends  them  at  present 
to  look  after  them  another  year. — He  is  a  good  work 
man  himself,  and  can  be  active ;  but  has  little  authority 
(I  ought  to  have  said  command,  for  I  have  given  him 
full  authority)  over  those  who  are  entrusted  to  him — 
and  he  is  fond  of  drink,  tho'  somewhat  reformed  in 
this  respect,  I  place  no  great  confidence  in  him. — He 


i48         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

has,  however,  promised  so  to  conduct  himself,  as  that 
there  shall  be  no  cause  for  complaint — I  thought  it 
was  better,  therefore,  to  engage  him,  than  to  run  any 
hazard. — I  have  engaged  no  person  to  look  after  the 
house  People,  Ditchers  &ct  in  place  of  the  one  now 
occupied  in  that  business ;  and  unless  a  very  active  and 
spirited  man  could  be  had,  it  will  scarcely  be  essential 
while  you  reside  at  the  Mansion  house  yourself. — The 
old  Man  that  is  employed  in  this  business  is,  I  believe, 
honest,  sober,  well  meaning,  and  in  some  things  know 
ing;  but  he  wants  activity  and  spirit; — and  from  not 
being  accustomed  to  Negros,  in  addition  thereto ;  they 
are  under  no  sort  of  awe  of  him — of  course  do  as  they 
please. — His  wages  are  low,  Twenty  pounds  pr  ann. 
only — under  this  statement  of  the  case  you  may  do  as 
shall  seem  best  to  yourself. — If  he  is  to  go,  he  ought  to 
know  it  seasonably: — his  time  is  up  at  Christmas; 
and  nothing  betwn  us  has  past  either  as  to  his  going, 
or  staying. 

I  shall,  before  you  remove,  or  by  the  time  you  may 
arrive  at  Mount  Vernon,  give  you  full  directions,  and 
my  ideas  upon  the  several  points  which  may,  between 
this  and  then,  occur  to  me. — In  all  things  else  you 
must  pursue  your  own  judgment — having  the  great 
outlines  of  my  business  laid  before  you. 

After  having  lived  the  ensuing  Winter  at  the  Mansion 
house  you  will  be  better  able  to  decide  than  at  the 
present  moment,  how  far  your  convenience,  my  interest, 
and  indeed  circumstances,  may  render  your  removal  to 
the  other  place  more  eligable. — I  shall  readily  agree  to 
either. — Materials  are  now  providing  for  building  a 
house  for  Mr.  Crow ;  whose  house  it  was  first  proposed 
you  should  live  in,  for  him  to  remove  to. — There  are  a 
great  number  of  Negro  children  at  the  Quarters  be 
longing  to  the  house  people ;  but  they  haveAlways  been 
forbid  (except  two  or  3  young  ones  belonging  to  the 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  149 

Cook,  and  the  Mulatto  fellow  Frank  in  the  house,  her 
husband ;  both  of  whom  live  in  the  Kitchen)  from 
coming  within  the  Gates  of  the  Inclosures  of  the  Yards, 
Gardens  &ct;  that  they  may  not  be  breaking  the 
Shrubs,  and  doing  other  mischief;  but  I  believe  that 
they  are  often  there  notwithstanding: — but  if  they 
could  be  broke  of  the  practice  it  would  be  very  agree 
able  to  me,  as  they  have  no  business  within;  having 
their  wood,  Water,  &ct  at  their  own  doors  without. — 

The  season  has  been  remarkably  sickly,  generally, 
but  my  [family,  except  a  few  slight  touches  of  the 
intermittant  fever — chiefly  among  the  blacks — have 
shared  less  of  it,  than  I  find  from  report,  has  been  felt 
in  most  other  places. — 

I  am  Your  friend  &ct 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  WILLIAM  PEARCE 

GERMAN  TOWN,  24t  Novr.  1793 
Mr.  Pearce, 

On  my  way  to  this  place  (about  the  last  of  Octr.) 
I  lodged  a  letter  for  you  in  the  Post  Office  at  Baltimore, 
which  I  hope  got  safe  to  your  hands,  although  I  have 
not  heard  from  you  since. 

I  shall  begin,  now,  to  throw  upon  Paper  such  general 
thoughts,  and  directions,  as  may  be  necessary  for 
your  government  when  you  get  to  Mount  Vernon ;  and 
for  fear  of  accidents,  if  transmitted  to  you  thro'  any 
other  channel,  will  deposit  them  in  the  hands  of  my 
Nephew,  Mr.  Howell  Lewis,  who  will  remain  (though 
inconvenient  to  me)  at  that  place  until  your  arrival 
there;  that  he  may  put  you  in  possession,  and  give 
you  such  information  into  matters  as  may  be  useful. — 

As  my  farms  stand  much  in  need  of  manure,  and 
it  is  difficult  to  raise  a  sufficiency  of  it  on  them;  and 
the  Land  besides  requires  something  to  loosen  and 


1 50         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

ameliorate  it,  I  mean  to  go  largely  (as  you  will  perceive 
by  what  I  shall  hand  to  you  through  Mr.  Lewis)  upon 
Buck  Wheat  as  a  Green  manure  (Plowed  in,  when  full 
in  blossom) — for  this  purpose  I  have  requested  a 
Gentleman  of  my  acquaintance,  in  the  County  of 
Loudoun,  about  Mount  Vernon,  to  send  to  my  place 
in  time  450,  or  500  bushels  of  this  article  for  seed. — 
And  as  I  do  not  wish  to  go  largely  upon  Corn,  it  is 
necessary  I  should  sow  a  good  many  Oats; — my 
calculation  (allowing  two  bushels  to  the  Acre)  is  about 
400  bushels  wanting. — Not  more  than  the  half  of 
which  can  I  calculate  I  have  of  my  own,  for  Seed  next 
Spring,  and  therefore  if  you  could  carry  round  with 
you  two  hundred,  or  even  300  bushels  to  be  certain; 
of  those  which  are  good  in  quality,  and  free  from 
Onions,  I  will  readily  pay  for  them  and  the  accustomed 
freight. — That  I  may  know  whether  to  depend  upon 
yr  doing  this,  or  not,  write  me  word;  that  in  case  of 
failure  with  you,  I  may  try  to  obtain  them  through 
some  other  channel. — 

I  am  your  Friend  and  Servant 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  WILLIAM  PEARCE 

PHILADELPHIA  i8t  Decemr  1793. 
Mr.  Pearce, 

The  paper  enclosed  with  this  letter  will  give  you  my 
ideas,  generally,  of  the  course  of  Crops  I  wish  to  pursue. 
— I  am  sensible  more  might  be  made  from  the  farms 
for  a  year  or  two — but  my  object  is  to  recover  the 
fields  from  the  exhausted  state  into  which  they  have 
fallen,  by  oppressive  crops,  and  to  restore  them  (if 
possible  by  any  means  in  my  power)  to  health  and 
vigour. — But  two  ways  will  enable  me  to  accomplish 
this. — The  first  is  to  cover  them  with  as  much  manure 
as  possible  (winter  and  summer). — The  26.  a  judicious 
succession  of  Crops. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  151 

Manure  can  not  be  had  in  the  abundance  the  fields 
require;  for  this  reason,  and  to  open  the  land  which 
is  hard  bound  by  frequent  cultivation  and  want  of 
proper  dressings,  I  have  introduced  Buck  Wheat  in 
the  plentiful  manner  you  will  perceive  by  the  Table, 
both  as  a  manure,  and  as  a  substitute  for  Indian  Corn 
for  horses  &ct ;  it  being  a  great  ameliorator  of  the  soil. 
— How  far  the  insufferable  conduct  of  my  Overseers, 
or  the  difficulty  of  getting  Buck  Wheat  and  Oats  for 
seed,  will  enable  me  to  carry  my  plan  into  effect,  I  am 
unable  at  this  moment  to  decide. — You  possibly,  will 
be  better  able  to  inform  me  sometime  hence. — Colo. 
Ball  of  Leesburgh  has  promised  to  use  his  endeavours 
to  procure  and  send  the  first  to  Mount  Vernon;  but 
where  to  get  as  much  of  the  latter  as  will  answer 
my  purposes  (unless  I  send  them  from  this  city)  I 
know  not;  but  before  I  can  decide  on  the  quantity 
it  may  be  necessary  for  me  to  purchase,  it  is  essential 
I  should  know  the  quantity  grown  on  my  own  estate ; 
and  which  after  I  went  to  Virginia  in  September  last 
I  directed  should  no  longer  be  fed  away. — The  common 
Oats  which  are  brought  from  the  Eastern  Shore  to 
Alexandria  for  sale,  I  would  not  sow — first,  because 
they  are  not  of  a  good  quality — and  2dly  because 
they  are  rarely,  if  ever,  free  from  Garlick  and  wild 
Onions:  with  which,  unfortunately,  many  of  my 
fields  are  already  but  too  plentifully  stocked  from 
the  source  already  mentioned;  and  that  too  before  I 
was  aware  of  the  evil. 

I  have  already  said  that  the  insufferable  conduct 
of  my  Overseers  may  be  one  mean  of  frustrating  my 
plan  for  the  next  year. — I  will  now  explain  myself. — 
You  will  readily  perceive  by  the  rotation  of  Crops  I 
have  adopted,  that  a  great  deal  of  Fall  plowing  is 
indispensable. — Of  this  I  informed  every  one  of  them, 
and  pointed  out  the  fields  which  were  to  be  plowed  at 


i5  2         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

this  season, — So  anxious  was  I,  that  this  work  should 
be  set  about  early,  that  I  made  an  attempt  soon  after 
you  were  at  Mount  Vernon  in  September,  to  begin  it ; 
and  at  several  times  afterwards  repeated  the  operation 
in  different  fields  at  Dogue-run  farm ; — but  the  ground 
being  excessively  hard  and  dry,  I  found  that  to  per 
severe  would  only  destroy  my  horses  without  effecting 
the  object  in  the  manner  it  ought  to  be,  and  therefore 
I  quit  it;  but  left  positive  directions  that  it  should 
recommence  at  every  farm  as  soon  as  ever  there  should 
come  rain  to  moysten  the  earth — and  to  stick  con 
stantly  at  it,  except  when  the  horses  were  employed 
in  treading  out  Wheat    (which  was  a  work  I  also 
desired  might  be  accomplished  as  soon  as  possible). — 
Instead  of  doing  either  of  these,  as  I  ordered,  I  find 
by  the  reports,  that  McKoy  has,  now  and  then,  plowed 
a  few  days  only  as  if  it  were  for  amusement. — That 
Stuart  has  but  just  begun  to  do  it. — And  that  neither 
Crow  nor  Davy  ad  Muddy-hole  had  put  a  plow  into 
the  ground  so  late  as  the  yth.  of  this  month. — Can  it 
be  expected  then,  that  frosts,  Snow  and  Rain  will 
permit  me  to  do  much  of  this  kind  of  work  before 
March  or  April?     When  Corn  planting,  Oats  sowing, 
and  Buck  Wht  for  manure,  ought  to  be  going  into  the 
grd,  in  a  well  prepared  state,  instead  of  having  it  to 
flush  up  at  that  season — and  when  a  good  deal  of 
Wheat  is  to  be  got  out  with  the  same  horses.  — Crow 
having  got  out  none  of  his  that  was  stacked  in  the 
field,  nor  Stuart  and  McKoy  much  of  theirs,  which 
is  in  the  same  predicament; — the  excuse  being,  as 
far  as  it  is  communicated  to  me,  that  their  whole 
time  and  force  since  the  month  of  October  has  been 
employed  in  securing  their  Corn* — When  God  knows 
how  little  enough  of  that  article  will  be  made. 

I  am  the  more  particular  on  this  head  for  two  reasons 
— first  to  let  you  see  how  little  dependence  there  is 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  153 

on  such  men  when  left  to  themselves  (for  under  Mr. 
Lewis  it  was  very  little  better) — and  2dly  to  show 
you  the  necessity  of  keeping  these  Overseers  strictly 
to  their  duty — that  is — to  keep  them  from  running 
about,  and  to  oblige  them  to  remain  constantly  with 
their  people ; — and  moreover,  to  see  at  what  time  they 
turn  out  of  a  morning — for  I  have  strong  suspicions 
that  this,  with  some  of  them,  is  at  a  late  hour,  the 
consequence  of  which  to  the  Negroes  is  not  difficult 
to  foretell. — All  these  Overseers  as  you  will  perceive 
by  their  agreements,  which  I  herewith  send,  are  on 
standing  wages ;  and  this  with  men  who  are  not  actu 
ated  by  the  principles  of  honor  or  honesty,  and  not 
very  regardful  of  their  characters,  leads  naturally 
to  endulgences — as  their  profits,  whatever  may  be 
mine,  are  the  same  whether  they  are  at  a  horse  race 
or  on  the  farm — whether  they  are  entertaining  company 
(which  I  believe  is  too  much  the  case)  in  their  own 
houses,  or  are  in  the  field  with  the  Negroes. 

Having  given  you  these  ideas,  I  shall  now  add,  that 
if  you  find  any  one  of  them  inattentive  to  the  duties 
which  by  the  articles  of  agreement  they  are  bound  to 
perform,  or  such  others  as  may  be  reasonably  en 
joined, — Admonish  them  in  a  calm,  but  firm  manner 
of  the  consequences. — If  this  proves  ineffectual, 
discharge  them,  at  any  season  of  the  year  without 
scruple  or  hesitation,  and  do  not  pay  them  a  copper ; — 
putting  the  non-compliance  with  their  agreemt  in 
bar. 

To  treat  them  civilly  is  no  more  than  what  all  men 
are  entitled  to,  but,  my  advice  to  you  is,  to  keep  them 
at  a  proper  distance;  for  they  will  grow  upon  famil 
iarity,  in  proportion  as  you  will  sink  in  authority, 
if  you  do  not. — Pass  by  no  faults  or  neglects  (especially 
at  first)  for  overlooking  one  only  serves  to  generate 
another,  and  it  is  more  than  probable  that  some  of 


i54         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

them  (one  in  particular)  will  try,  at  first,  what  lengths 
he  may  go. — A  steady  and  firm  conduct,  with  an 
inquisitive  inspection  into,  and  a  proper  arrangement 
of  everything  on  your  part,  will  though  it  may  give, 
trouble  at  first,  save  a  great  deal  in  the  end — and  you 
may  rest  assured  that  in  everything  that  is  just,  and 
proper  to  be  done  ib  your  part,  (you)  shall  meet  with 
the  fullest  support  ib  mine. — Nothing  will  contribute 
more  to  effect  these  desirable  purposes  than  a  good 
example — unhappily  this  was  not  set  (from  what  I 
have  learnt  lately)  by  Mr.  Whiting,  who,  it  is  said, 
drank  freely — kept  bad  company  in  my  house  in 
Alexandria — and  was  a  very  debauched  person — 
wherever  this  is  the  case  it  is  not  easy  for  a  man  to 
throw  the  first  stone  for  fear  of  having  it  returned  to 
him; — and  this  I  take  to  be  the  true  cause  why  Mr. 
Whiting  did  not  look  more  scrupulously  into  the 
conduct  of  the  Overseers,  and  more  minutely  into  the 
smaller  matters  belonging  to  the  Farms — which, 
though  individually  (they)  may  be  trifling,  are  not 
found  so  in  the  agregate ;  for  there  is  ]no  addage  more 
true  than  an  old  Scotch  one,  that  "many  mickles 
make  a  muclde. " 

I  have  had  but  little  opportunity  of  forming  a 
correct  opinion  of  my  white  Overseers,  but  such 
observations  as  I  have  made  I  will  give. 

Stuart  appears  to  me  to  understand  the  business 
of  a  farm  very  well,  and  seems  attentive  to  it. — He  is 
I  believe  a  sober  man,  and  according  to  his  own  ac 
count  a  very  honest  one. — As  I  never  found  him  (at 
the  hours  I  usually  visited  the  farm)  absent  from 
some  part  or  another  of  his  people,  I  presume  he  is 
industrious  and  seldom  from  home. — He  is  talkative, 
has  a  high  opinion  of  his  own  skill  and  management — 
and  seems  to  live  in  peace  and  harmony  with  the 
Negros  who  are  confided  to  his  care. — He  speaks 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  155 

extremely  well  of  them,  and  I  have  never  heard 
any  complaint  of  him. — His  work  however,  has  been 
behind  hand  all  the  year,  owing  he  says,  and  as  I 
believe,  to  his  having  too  much  plowing  to  do — and 
the  last  omission,  of  not  plowing  when  he  knew  my 
motives  for  wishing  it,  has  been  extremely  repren- 
sible. — But  upon  the  whole,  if  he  stirs  early,  and  works 
late,  I  have  no  other  fault  to  find  than  the  one  I  have 
just  mentioned — His  talkativeness  and  vanity  may 
be  humoured. 

Crow  is  an  active  man,  and  not  deficient  in  judgment. 
— If  kept  strictly  to  his  duty  would,  in  many  respects, 
make  a  good  Overseer. — But  I  am  much  mistaken  in 
his  character,  if  he  is  not  fond  of  visiting,  and  receiving 
visits. — This,  of  course,  withdraws  his  attention  from 
his  business,  and  leaves  his  people  too  much  to  them 
selves;  which  produces  idleness,  or  slight  work  on  one 
side,  and  flogging  on  the  other — the  last  of  which  be 
sides  the  dissatisfaction  which  it  creates,  has,  in  one 
or  two  instances  been  productive  of  serious  conse 
quences — I  am  not  clear  either,  that  he  gives  due 
attention  to  his  Plow  horses  and  other  stock  which 
is  necessary,  although  he  is  very  fond  of  riding  the 
former — not  only  to  Alexandria  &ct  but  about  the 
farm,  which  I  did  not  forbid  as  his  house  was  very 
inconvenient  to  the  scene  of  his  business. 

McKoy  appears  to  me  to  be  a  sickly,  slothful  and 
stupid  fellow. — He  had  many  more  hands  than  were 
necessary  merely  for  his  Crop,  and  though  not  70  acres 
of  Corn  to  cultivate,  did  nothing  else. — In  short  to 
level  a  little  dirt  that  was  taken  out  of  the  meadow 
ditch  below  his  house  seems  to  have  composed  the 
principal  part  of  his  Fall  work;  altho'  no  finer  season 
could  have  happened  for  preparing  the  second  lot  of 
the  Mill  swamp  for  the  purpose  of  laying  it  to  grass. — 
If  more  exertion  does  not  appear  in  him  when  he  gets 


156         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

into  better  health  he  will  be  found  an  unfit  person  to 
overlook  so  important  a  farm,  especially  as  I  have  my 
doubts  also  of  his  care  and  attention  to  the  horses  &ct. 

As  to  Butler,  you  will  soon  be  a  judge  whether  he 
will  be  of  use  to  you  or  not. — He  may  mean  well,  and 
for  ought  I  know  to  the  contrary  may,  in  some  things 
have  judgment;  but  I  am  persuaded  he  has  no  more 
authority  over  the  Negros  he  is  placed,  than  an  old 
woman  would  have;  and  is  as  unable  to  get  a  proper 
day's  Work  done  by  them  as  she  would,  unless  led  to 
it  by  their  own  inclination  wch  I  know  is  not  the  case. 

Davy  at  Muddy-hole  carries  on  his  business  as  well 
as  the  White  Overseers,  and  with  more  quietness 
than  any  of  them. — With  proper  directions  he  will  do 
very  well ;  and  probably  give  you  less  trouble  than  any 
of  them,  except  in  attending  to  his  care  of  the  stock,  of 
which  I  fear  he  is  negligent;  as  there  are  deaths  too 
frequent  among  them. — 

Thomas  Green  (Overlooker  of  the  Carpenters)  will, 
I  am  persuaded,  require  your  closest  attention,  without 
which  I  believe  it  will  be  impossible  to  get  any  work 
done  by  my  Negro  Carpenters — in  the  first  place,  be 
cause,  it  has  not  been  in  my  power,  when  I  am  away 
from  home,  to  keep  either  him,  or  them  in  any  settled 
work ;  but  they  will  be  flying  from  one  trifling  thing  to 
another,  with  no  other  design,  I  believe,  than  to  have 
the  better  oportunity  to  be  idle,  or  to  be  employed  on 
their  own  business — and  in  the  next  place,  because, — 
although  authority  is  given  to  him — he  is  too  much 
upon  a  level  with  the  Negros  to  exert  it;  from  which 
cause,  if  no  other  every  one  works,  or  not,  as  they  please 
and  carve  out  such  jobs  as  they  like. — I  had  no 
doubt  when  I  left  home  the  28th  of  Oct.  but  that 
the  house  intended  for  Crow  wd  have  been  nearly 
finished  by  this  time,  as  in  order  to  facilitate  the  ex 
ecution  I  bought  Scantling,  Plank  and  Singles  for 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  157 

the  building:  instead  of  this  I  do  not  perceive  by  his 
weekly  report  that  a  tool  has  yet  been  employed  in  it 
— nor  can  I  find  out  by  the  said  report  that  the  barn 
at  Dogue-run  is  in  much  greater  forwardness  than  when 
I  left  it. 

To  correct  the  abuses  which  have  crept  into  all  parts 
of  my  business — to  arrange  it  properly,  and  to  reduce 
things  to  system;  will  require,  I  am  sensible,  a  good 
deal  of  time  and  your  utmost  exertions; — of  the  last, 
from  the  character  you  bear,  I  entertain  no  doubt; 
the  other,  I  am  willing  to  allow,  because  I  had  rather 
you  should  probe  things  to  the  bottom,  whatever  time 
it  may  require  to  do  it,  than  to  decide  hastily  upon  the 
first  view  of  them;  as  to  establish  good  rules,  and  a 
regular  system,  is  the  life,  and  the  soul  of  every  kind 
of  business. 

These  (rest  of  letter  missing). 
MR.  WILLIAM  PEARCE. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Jany.  29th.,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  enclosed  came  to  my  hands  a  few  days  ago — the 
means  are  also  enclosed  to  discharge  Colo.  Simm's  ac 
count,  and  to  receive  his  requittal. — I  would  thank  you 
to  get  from  and  forward  to  me,  Mr.  Lee's  charge  also ; 
that  my  Administration  of  the  Estate  of  Colo.  Colvill 
may  be  finally  closed,  and  the  balance  deposited  some 
where  for  the  benefit  of  the  residuary  legatees. — 

That  I  may  be  better  able  to  decide  upon  the  latter 
point,  I  would  thank  you  for  an  extract  of  that  part  of 
Colo.  Thorns.  Colvill's  Will  (or  the  Will  itself,  as  I  pre 
sume  it  is  no  longer  of  any  use  to  you)  which  makes 
this  devise;  and  for  all  the  claims,  proofs,  &ca.  which 
have  been  handed  to  his  Executors  in  consequence 
thereof,  and  which  were  deposited  (to  the  best  of  my 


158          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

recollection)  with  you,  along  with  the  other  papers. — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

P.  S.     Are  there  not  some  parts  of  Colo.  Simm's  charge 
which  ought  to  be  paid,  or  at  least  repaid  by  the  de 
fendants  ? 
To  JAMES  KEITH. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Feby.  3d.,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

In  due  course  of  the  Post  I  have  received  your  letters 
of  the  i yth  of  December  and  2ist  of  the  last  month; 
and  congratulate  you  on  the  birth  of  a  son  and  the 
passage  of  your  family  through  the  Small  Pox. 

As  you  had  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  the  needful 
for  purchasing  the  Buck  Wt,  and  had  assured  me  that 
no  disappointment  should  follow,  I  have  not  given  you 
the  trouble  of  a  lettter  until  now,  since  I  wrote  from 
German  Town ; — and  now,  principally  to  beg  that  the 
Buck  Wheat  be  down  in  time  for  early  sowing ;  the 
present  frost  being  favorable  for  transportation. 

I  have  procured  for  you,  and  it  shall  be  sent  with  my 
own  by  the  first  vessel  to  Alexandria,  three  bushels  of 
Clover  seed  which  appears  to  be  clean,  and  warranted 
fresh.  It  will  cost  delivered  at  Alexandria  about  eight 
dollars  a  bushel.  It  shall  be  directed  to  the  care  of 
Col.  Gilpin  to  whom  my  own  things  will  be  consigned ; 
as  the  Capt.  is  not  at  liberty  to  send  any  part  of  his 
cargo  before  he  arrives  at  the  port  to  which  he  is  bound. 
No  opportunity  has  offered  since  the  first  frost  (in 
December)  set  in,  or  both  yours  and  mine  would  have 
gone  e'er  this.  To  say  now  where  they  will  go  is  more 
than  I  am  able  as  the  Delaware  is  close,  and  navigation 
at  an  end  until  there  comes  a  thaw. 

With  this  letter  is  enclosed  a  box  containing  brace- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  159 

lets  etc.  for  Mrs.  Ball  wch  I  hope  will  get  safe  to  and, 
as  I  have  directed  them  to  the  particular  care  of  the 
Postmaster  in  Alexandria — Mrs.  Washington  and  the 
family  join  me  in  every  good  wish  for  you,  Mrs.  Ball 
and  Miss  Milly,  if  with  you,  and  with  affectionate  re 
gard 

I  am,  Sir 

Your  obedient  Servt. 

Go.   WASHINGTON. 

As  soon  as  you  have  ascertained  the  amount  of  cost 
and  charges  of  the  Buck  Wheat  delivered  at  Mt.  Vern. 
let  me  know  it  and  I  will  remit  what  may  be  due  on  the 
acct. — The  freight  of  the  Clover  seed  from  hence  to 
Alexandria  as  well  as  the  first  cost  of  it  will  be  paid 
here. 

G.  W. 
To  COL.  BURGESS  BALL. 

PHILADELPHIA,  March  ioth.,  1794. 
Sir, 

In  due  course  of  Post  I  was  favoured  with  your  letter 
of  the  2  5th  of  Jany,  with  the  deed  which  it  enclosed  from 
Colo.  Mercer  &  others,  to  me. — This  deed  refers  to  a 
Survey  of  the  Manor  of  Woodstock  (in  the  year  1782) 
and  to  a  division  thereof  made  by  Hezekiah  Veatch, 
assistant  Surveyor  of  Montgomery  County,  on  the  2d. 
day  of  January  1793. — 

The  latter  (is  the  body  of  the  deed)  is  said  to  be  re 
corded. — It  is  essentially  necessary  indeed  that  it 
should  be  so. — But  neither  the  original,  nor  a  copy 
thereof  was  forwarded  to  me. — This  induces  me  to  give 
you  the  trouble  of  informing  me  whether  the  above 
Survey  of  Mr.  Veatch  is  admitted  to  record, — and,  in 
that  case,  that  you  would  be  so  good  as  to  furnish  me 


160         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

with  either  the  original,  or  an  attested  copy  thereof 
from  Your  Office. — 

I  am — Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Servant 

G.   WASHINGTON. 

To  JOHN  GWINN. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Mar.   zoth,   1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

To  the  best  of  my  recollection  when  you  paid  me  for 
my  flour  of  last  year  you  asked  the  refusal  of  it  this 
year. 

By  the  report  from  my  men  I  perceive  about  3,000 
bushels  of  wheat  has  been  manufactured;  but  how 
much  flour  it  has  made  and  of  what  sort,  I  am  yet  to 
learn.  If  you  incline  to  purchase  what  there  is,  let 
me  know  the  best  price  you  will  give ;  or  to  make  the 
matter  short,  and  to  save  time,  you  may  have  the 
Superfine  (if  any  is  made)  and  fine  flour  at  what  they 
sell  for  in  this  market  with  a  deduction  of  the  usual 
freight  per  barrel  from  Alexandria  to  the  place.  (*) 
Your  answer,  as  soon  as  it  is  convenient  to  you, 
and  oblige 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedient  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

P.  S.     I  have  more  than  what  is  meatd.  above  to  grind. 
To  Robert  T.  Hose. 

(*)     The  cost  prices  in  this  City  are 

Superfine 5o/ 

Common 47/6 

Two  or  three  months  credit  I  should  not  object  to. 

PHILADELPHIA,  zoth.  March,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  ist.  inst.  with  its  enclosures,  I  have 
duly  received. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  161 

I  shall,  by  this  day's  Post,  write  to  the  representative 
of  Colo.  Carlyle  (agreeably  to  the  suggestion  in  Mr. 
Chalmers  letter)  to  know  if  he  (Mr.  Herbert)  can  throw 
any  light  upon  the  payment  of  £100  which  Mr. 
Chalmers  conceives  he  must  have  made  on  acct.  of  Mr. 
Sidney  George's  Bond. — When  I  receive  the  answer  it 
shall  be  forwarded  to  you. — Till  then  the  draught  on 
Mr.  Chalmers  may  be  suspended. — 

I  have  no  other  object  in  this  business  than  to  bring 
everything  which  relates  to  it  to  a  speedy  &  equitable 
close  as  far  as  it  respects  the  parties  interested  and  to  a 
justifiable  one  as  it  concerns  myself. — On  these  princi 
pals  I  should  hope  Mr.  George  would  not  require  (having 
an  attested  copy  of  it)  the  original  bond  in  the  possession 
of  Mr.  Chalmers  especially  as  the  receipt  for  the  money 
might  recite  a  statement  of  the  fact,  for  his  indemni 
fication. — 

It  is  of  moment,  however,  to  me,  to  have  it  ascer 
tained  whether  the  sum  of  £100  reed,  by  Mr.  Chalmers- 
&  the  sum  due  from  Mr.  George  for  the  payment  of  £90 
ought  not  to  be  discharged  with  interest. — The  Ad 
ministration  accts.  which  have  been  settled  will  show 
that  interest  has  been  paid  by  the  estate  of  Colo. 
Collins  (Miss  Anderson  is  an  instance  of  it)  and  judg 
ments  in  behalf  of  the  estate  have  been  obtained,  in 
Virginia,  with  interest. — To  act  safely  is  all  I  aim  at, 
for  I  neither  gain  nor  lose  by  the  transaction. — 

I  am — Dear  Sir 
Your  Most  Obedt.  &  Very  Hble.  Servant 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
To  WILLIAM  TILGHMAN. 

PHILA.,  March  23d,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

By  a  letter  I  have  just  received  from  my  Manager 
Mr.  Pearce  dated  the  i8th  inst.  I  find  he  had  received 


1 62         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

no  more  at  that  time,  than  131  bushls.  of  the  Buck 
Wheat  you  were  to  procure  for  me. — I  hope  there  will 
be  no  disappointment  of  the  remainder. — It  would  fall 
hard  upon  me,  as  I  have  not  the  quantity  of  seed  oats 
necessary  to  carry  my  plan  into  effect  this  year;  a 
failure  of  both  would  leave  my  grounds  unoccupied. — 
My  love  in  which  Mrs.  Washington  &  the  family  unite 
is  tendered  to  Mrs.  Ball  and  yours. — 
I  am — Dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte. 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  BURGESS  BALL. 

PHILADELPHIA,    April   6th    1794. 
Mr.  Pearce, 

Your  letter  and  Reports  of  the  ist.  instant  I  have 
received,  and  am  glad  to  find  by  the  first  that  you  have 
got  your  family  safe  to  Mount  Vernon;  as,  unquestion 
ably,  it  will  be  a  satisfaction  to  you  to  have  them  along 
with  you. — Change  of  air  may,  and  I  hope  will,  restore 
your  eldest  daughter  to  health  again. 

I  had  no  doubt  but  that  the  late  capture  of  our 
Vessels  by  the  British  Cruisers,  followed  by  the  Em 
bargo  which  has  been  laid  on  the  Shipping  in  our 
Ports,  wd  naturally  occasion  a  temporary  fall  in  the 
article  of  provisions; — yet,  as  there  are  the  same  mouths 
to  feed  as  before; — as  the  demand,  consequently,  will  be 
as  great ; — and  as  the  Crops  in  other  parts  of  the  world 
will  not  be  increased  by  these  means,  I  have  no  doubt 
at  all,  but  that,  as  soon  as  the  present  impediments  are 
removed  the  prices  of  flour  will  rise  to  what  it  has  been 
(at  least)  for  which  reason  hold  mine  up  to  the  prices 
mentioned  in  my  last ;  and  if  they  are  offered,  make  a 
provisory  agreement,  to  be  ratified,  or  not,  by  me ; — 
an  answer  to  which  can  be  obtained  in  a  week. — With 
respect  to  the  Wheat  on  hand,  you  must  (if  you  hear 
nothing  to  the  contrary  from  me)  be  governed  by  cir- 


QUILT  MADE  BY  MRS.  WASHINGTON  AND  GIVEN  BY  HER 
TO  MRS.  LEAR 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  163 

cumstances  and  your  own  judgment,  in  getting  it  out 
of  the  straw; — but,  at  any  rate,  remove  it  into  the 
Barns  for  the  purpose  of  threshing  in  weather  when 
the  people  cannot  work  out. — 

When  salt,  or  any  other  article  of  which  you  are  in 
want,  gets  to  a  high  price,  provide  for  the  present  oc 
casion  only  unless  there  is  a  moral  certainty  of  their 
rising  still  higher;  in  that  case  prudence  would  direct 
otherwise. — 

It  was  not  my  expectation  that  either  grass  or  grain 
could  be  rolled  at  the  expence  of  stopping  the  Ploughs ; 
consequently,  if  the  Oxen  were  not  in  a  condition  for 
the  accomplishment  of  this  work  the  execution  of  it 
was  not  to  be  expected: — but  is  not  this  an  instance 
among  a  variety  of  others,  of  the  impolicy  of  not 
breaking  a  great  number  of  Steers  at  each  of  the 
Farms  ?  which  would  prevent  the  few  that  are  broke  from 
being  reduced  too  low  for  the  services  thereof. — 
Twenty  Oxen  are  not  more  expensive  than  ten  broke, 
and  ten  unbroke  Steers,  because  you  feed  them  as  Oxen 
only  when  they  are  worked ;  and  unbroke  Steers  must  be 
fed,  as  well  as  Oxen  (though  not  in  the  same  manner) 
at  other  times. — By  this  means  there  never  would  be  a 
want  of  draught  Cattle  for  Cart,  Harrow  or  Roller. — 

How  does  the  young  grass  which  was  sown  in  the 
new  meadows  last  fall,  and  the  Clover  come  on? — Was 
the  latter  injured  much  by  the  Winter? 

Besides  the  number  of  Stacks  which  are  yet  in 
Wheat,  I  wanted  to  know  what  those  stacks  are  sup 
posed  to  contain; — and  this  the  Overseers,  by  com 
paring  the  size  of  them  with  those  which  have  been 
tread  out,  may  certainly  give  a  pretty  near  guess  at. — 

The  three  bushels  and  half  of  Oats,  mentioned  to 
you  in  my  last,  are  not  of  such  superior  quality  as  I 
had  been  led  to  expect  from  the  account  given  of  them ; 
— yet,  notwithstanding,  ground  may  be  kept  some- 


1 64         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

time  longer  for  them,  or  until  you  hear  further  from 
me,  on  this  head. — 

The  imposition  with  respect  to  the  Garden  seeds,  is 
very  unjustifiable; — 'tis  infmately  worse  than  simple 
robbery,  for  there  you  loose  your  money  only,  but 
when  it  is  given  for  bad  seed  you  lose  your  money, 
your  labour  in  preparing  for  the  reception  of  them, — 
and  a  whole  season. — 

Cloaths  must  be  provided  for  the  Young  Gardener 
at  Alexandria. — Those  for  work  to  be  stong,  and 
substantial. — Sunday,  or  Holliday  Cloaths  to  be  decent, 
and  such  as  may  please  without  going  to  more  expence 
than  is  necessary: — but  of  the  latter  class  I  should 
conceive  he  can  be  in  no  want  now,  unless  he  has  made 
an  improper  use  of  a  whole  suit  (of  very  good  Cloaths) 
which  were  given  to  him  the  latter  end  of  October 
last.— 

I  am  sorry  to  find  that  my  chance  for  Lambs  this 
year,  is  so  bad. — It  does  not  appear  to  me  by  the  Re 
ports  that  I  shall  have  more  than  a  third  of  what  I 
had  last  year : — what  this  can  be  ascribed  to  is  beyond 
my  comprehension,  unless  it  be  for  want  of  Rams,  or 
bad  Rams. — Let  therefore,  at  Shearing  time,  a  selection 
of  the  best  formed,  and  otherwise  promising  ram 
lambs  be  set  apart  (in  sufficient  numbers)  to  breed 
from ;  and  when  they  are  fit  for  it,  cut  the  old  ones  and 
turn  them  aside,  to  be  disposed  of. — 

At  Shearing  time  also,  let  there  be  a  thorough  culling 
out,  of  all  the  old,  and  indifferent  sheep  from  the  flocks 
that  they  may  be  disposed  of,  and  thereby  save  me  the 
mortification  of  hearing  every  week  of  their  death! — 
which  is  the  more  vexatious  as  I  was  taught  to  believe 
that  every  indifferent  sheep  was  drawn  for  this  pur 
pose  last  Spring,  notwithstanding  the  loss  of  them 
which  has  been  sustained  the  past  winter ; — and  indeed 
unto  the  present  moment. — 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  165 

When  you  next  go  to  Alexandria  take  the  exact 
dimensions  of  the  rooms  in  my  house  at  that  place, 
that  I  may  send  paper  for  them. — Give  the  length  and 
breadth  of  each — and  height  from  the  wash  board  to 
the  Chair  board  (as  they  are  commonly  called)  and 
thence  to  the  Cornish,  if  any,  with  the  doors  and  win 
dows,  and  size  of  them,  in  each  room  or  passage. — If 
there  is  occasion  to  make  good  the  plastering  in  any  of 
the  rooms,  no  white  wash  must  be  put  thereon;  be 
cause  it  is  improper  for  paper. — Thomas  Davis  must 
paint  the  outsides  of  both  houses  there ;  the  lower  part 
of  a  stone  colour,  and  the  roofs  red. — The  Inside  of  the 
dwelling  house  is  also  to  be  painted. — The  whole  in 
short  is  to  be  put  in  very  good,  and  decent  condition. 
— If  the  planking  between  the  two  houses  is  plained, 
this  also  should  be  painted. 

I  am  Your  friend  &ct 

Go.   WASHINGTON. 
Mr.  WILLIAM  PEARCE 

PHILADELPHIA,  i3th  Aprl.,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  been  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  4th  inst. 
and  thank  you  for  the  information  respecting  the  dep 
redations  on  my  land,  lying  on  four  miles  Run. — Mr. 
Bushrod  Washington  a  year  or  two  ago  was  desired  to 
commence  a  suit  or  suits  against  some  of  the  Tres 
passers  but  whether  he  did,  or  not,  or  what  the  result 
was,  I  do  not  recollect  ever  to  have  heard. — The  growth 
of  the  land,  is  more  valuable  than  the  land  itself, — to 
protect  it  therefore  is  important. 

Not  knowing  the  Christian  name  of  Mr.  Minor,  or 
whether  there  may  not  be  more  than  one  of  that  name, 
I  am  at  a  loss  to  direct  to  him;  and  indeed  for  a  safe 
mode  of  conveying  a  letter  to  him,  and  therefore  take 
the  liberty  of  putting  the  enclosed  under  Cover  to  you, 


i66         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

with  a  request  (after  putting  a  wafer  in  it)  that  you 
would  be  so  good  as  to  have  it  safely  conveyed  to  the 
right  person. 

The  accounts  which  I  receive  from  Mount  Vernon, 
respecting  my  Wheat,  are  very  unfavorable. — They 
could  not,  indeed,  he  otherwise,  after  the  effect,  oc 
casioned  by  drought  in  the  fall  had  become  apparent, 
which  was  the  case  before  I  left  home  in  the  latter  part 
of  October. 

The  appointment  of  a  Marshall,  for  the  District  of 
Georgia,  had  taken  place  before  your  letter  came  to  my 
hands : — but  if  the  case  had  been  otherwise  Mr.  McCrea, 
however  well  known  in  Virginia  was  too  new  a  settler, 
and  too  little  known  in  Georgia  to  have  become  an  ac 
ceptable  man  for  that  office,  when  half  the  State  (in  a 
manner)  was  in  hot  pursuit  of  it.  &  many  of  the 
ancient  inhabitants  &  respectable  characters  were 
pressing  forward  by  themselves,  &  friends,  on  this 
occasion. — 

My  best  wishes  attend  Mrs.  Stuart  and  the  rest  of  the 
family,  &  with  very  great  esteem  &  regard — 
I   am — Dear   Sir 

Your  Affecte.   Servant 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
To  DAVID  STUART  Esqr. 

PHILADELPHIA  May  4th  1794 
Mr.  Pearce, 

Your  letter  of  the  2Qth  ulto,  and  the  reports  which 
were  enclosed,  came  duly  to  hand. 

I  am  sorry  to  find  by  the  first  that  the  Ship  Peggy 
had  not  then  arrived  at  George  Town,  from  London. — 
I  fear  the  White  thorn  Plants  (5,000  in  number)  which  I 
have  on  board,  together  with  Mr.  Lears  fruit  Trees, 
will  suffer  very  much,  if  they  are  not  entirely  destroyed ; 
by  the  advanced  season. — Let  the  ground  (wherever 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  167 

the  first  are  to  go)  be  prepared  for  their  reception,  that 
no  time  which  can  he  avoided,  may  be  lost  in  getting 
them  into  it; — as  to  the  latter,  that  is  the  fruit  trees, 
there  cannot  be  many  of  them,  consequently  no  pre 
vious  preparation  is  necessary,  for  their  deposit. — 

I  wish  you  had  discharged  Green  without  any  cere 
mony,  when  you  found  him  drinking,  and  idling  his 
time  away; — as  to  any  reliance,  on  his  promise  to 
amend,  there  can  be  no  sort  of  dependance : — for  it  has 
been  found  that  he  is  growing  worse  and  worse:  The 
consequence  of  which  is,  that  he  dare  not  find  fault 
with  those  who  are  intrusted  to  his  care,  lest  they  shd 
retort,  and  disclose  his  rascally  conduct;  by  which 
means  work  that  the  same  number  of  hands  would 
perform  in  a  week,  takes  mine  a  month. — Nothing 
but  compasion  for  his  helpless  family,  has  hitherto 
induced  me  to  keep  him  a  moment  in  my  service  (so 
bad  is  the  example  he  sets) ;  but  if  he  has  no  regard 
for  them  himself,  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that  I  am  to 
be  a  continual  sufferer  on  this  acct,  for  his  misconduct. 

I  never  could  get  an  account  of  the  Corn  made  on 
my  Estate  last  year,  consequently  can  form  no  idea  of 
the  quantity  now  on  hand,  nor  of  the  prospect  there 
is  of  its  carrying  me  through  the  year. — At  any  rate, 
it  should  be  used  with  great  care,  but  if  it  is  likely  to 
run  short,  as  much  parsimony  should  be  observed  as 
can  comport  with  the  absolute  calls  for  it,  on  the  farms, 
as  I  know  not  where  to  get  more;  and  should  find  it 
inconvenient  to  pay  for  it  if  I  did. 

Does  the  first  sown  Buck  Wheat  come  up  well? — as 
fast  as  any  field,  or  lot  is  planted  with  Potatoes,  let 
the  quantity  which  has  been  used  therefor,  be  noted 
in  the  Farm  Report  of  the  place  where  they  have  been 
used. — To  plant  the  Potatoes  whole  is  the  best,  where 
there  is  enough  of  them;  when  there  is  not,  cutting 
becomes  necessary,  and  should  then  be  adopted. — 


1 68         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

In  the  Gardeners  report  is  a  query,  if  Apricots  will 
be  wanting  to  preserve. — I  answer  No. — for  the  sit 
uation  of  public  business  now  is,  and  likely  to  remain 
such,  that  my  family  will  not  be  able  to  spend  any 
time  at  Mount  Vernon  this  Summer — that  is — I  can 
not  do  it,  and  Mrs.  Washington  would  not  chuse 
to  be  there  without  me. — My  present  intention  is,  if 
public  business  will  perimt,  to  make  a  flying  trip 
there  soon  after  the  rising  of  Congress;  but  when 
that  will  be  is  more  than  I  am  able  to  decide,  at 
present. 

It  is  not  usual — nor  is  there  any  occasion — for 
Papering  the  ceiling  of  the  Room,  or  rooms  (if  more 
than  one  should  be  papered)  in  the  House,  in  Alex 
andria. — 

I  am — Your  friend  &ct 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  WILLIAM  PEARCE 


PHILADELPHIA,  May  gth,  1794. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i4th.  ulto.  and  the  first  Vol.  of  an 
American  Biography,  came  safe  to  my  hands.  For 
both  I  pray  you  to  accept  my  thanks, — and  to  consider 
me  as  a  subscriber  for  the  latter. 

I  wish  is  was  in  my  power  to  afford  you  any  aid  in  the 
prosecution  of  so  desirable  a  work. — But  I  do  not  see 
wherein  I  can, —  and  if  I  did,  my  avocations  are  of  such 
a  nature  as  to  allow  me  no  time  to  profit  by  the  means. - 
My  good  wishes  therefore  seem  to  be  all  that  is  left  me, 
on  this  occasion. — These,  with  great  sincerity  I  offer 
you,  with  assurances  of  being,  Sir 

Yr.  Most  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  REVD.  MR.  JEREMY  BELKNAP 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  169 

PHILADELPHIA,  May  9th,  1794. 
Sir, 

I  have  received,  though  really  it  has  not  been  in  my 
power  yet  to  read,  the  Pamphlet  (The  Revolution  in 
France,  (?)  N.  Y.,  1794)  you  were  so  obliging  as  to  send 
me.  Your  motives  to  writing  it  are  highly  laudable, 
and  I  sincerely  wish  they  may  meet  the  reward  which 
is  due  to  them. — I  pray  you  accept  my  thanks  for  the 
work,  and  to  be  assured  that 

I   am — Sir 
Your  most  obed.  Serv. 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
MR.  NOAH  WEBSTER,  JUNR. 

PHILADELPHIA  i7th  May,  1795. 
Dear  Sir: 

(Private) 

Your  letter  of  the  nth  inst.  came  to  hand  by  the 
Post  of  yesterday. 

With  pleasure  I  received  your  acceptance  of  the 
office  of  commissioner  of  the  federal  city.  The  com 
mission  will  be  handed  to  you  from  the  Department  of 
State,  and  the  sooner  you  can  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
that  trust,  the  more  convenient  and  agreeable  it  will 
be. 

With  the  candor,  which  I  am  sure  will  be  agreeable 
to  you,  I  shall  intimate  (for  reasons  which  I  shall  not 
at  this  time  enumerate,  but  which  will  appear  evident 
after  you  have  been  there  awhile)  that  a  residence  in 
the  city,  if  a  house  is  to  be  had,  will  be  more  pro- 
motive  of  its  welfare  than  your  abode  in  George  Town. 
— I  shall  add  that  the  motives  which  induced  a  fixed 
salary  (which  the  first  commissioners  did  not  receive) 
were  that  they  should  reside  on  the  sort; — that  they 
were  not  only  to  plan  and  regulate  the  affairs  of  the 
city — but  to  look  to  the  execution  of  them  also. — To 


1 70         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

accomplish  which,  with  the  greatest  ease  to  themselves, 
and  best  advantage  to  the  public,  I  presumed  that 
after  measures  were  decided  on  by  the  Board  they 
would  have  been  so  arranged  as  that  each  member 
would  have  attended  to  the  execution  of  a  particular 
part; — or  if  found  more  convenient,  that  in  rotation, 
each  would  have  superintended  the  whole. — I  could 
not  perceive  however,  when  I  was  in  the  city  last  (the 
only  time  since  the  change  in  the  Board)  that  any  such 
arrangement  had  been  adopted.  In  short,  the  only 
difference  I  could  perceive  between  the  proceedings  of  the 
old  and  the  new  commission  results  from  the  following 
comparison. — The  old  met  not  oftener  than  once  a 
month  except  on  particular  occasions; — the  new  meet 
once  or  twice  a  week.  In  the  interval  the  old  resided 
at  their  houses  in  the  country; — the  new  reside  at 
their  houses  in  George  Town.  The  old  had  too  much 
of  the  business  done  by  daily  wages,  and  were  obliged 
to  trust  to  overseers  and  superintendents  to  look  to 
the  execution; — the  new  have  gotten  more  into  the 
execution  of  it  by  contracts,  and  piece  work,  but  rely 
equally,  I  fear,  on  others  to  see  to  the  performance. 
These  changes  (tho'  for  the  better)  by  no  means  apply 
a  radical  cure  to  the  evils  that  were  complained  of, 
nor  will  they  justify  the  difference  of  compensation 
from  six  dollars  per  day  for  every  day's  attendance 
in  the  city  and  sixteen  hundred  per  annum. 

My  time  will  not  permit  me  to  go  more  into  detail 
on  this  subject,  nor  is  it  necessary ;— your  own  good 
judgment  will  supply  you  with  more  that  I  could  add. 
The  year  1800  will  be  soon  upon  us; — The  necessity 
therefore  of  hurrying  on  the  public  buildings  and 
other  works  of  a  public  nature  and  executing  of  them 
with  economy. — The  propriety  of  preventing  idleness 
in  those  who  have  day  or  monthly  wages,  and  im 
position  by  others,  who  work  by  measure — by  the 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  171 

piece — or  by  contract— -and  seeing  that  all  contracts 
are  fulfilled  with  good  faith,  are  too  obvious  to  be 
dwelt  on,  and  are  not  less  important  than  to  form 
plans,  and  establish  rules  for  conducting,  and  bringing 
to  a  speedy  &  happy  conclusion  this  great  and  arduous 
business. — With  esteem  and  regard 
I  am — Dear  Sir 
Your  obed.  Sevt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
ALEXANDER  WHITE,  Esq. 

PHILADELPHIA,  i8th  May,  1794. 
Dear  Sir: 

Your  letter  of  the  7th  inst.  came  duly  to  hand,  with 
the  Rental  enclosed. — 

As  there  are  no  houses,  or  any  thing  standing  on  my 
lots  in  the  Town  &  Common  of  Winchester,  it  is  of  no 
great  moment  what  is  done  with  them.  I  am  not  dis 
posed  to  sell  them,  nor  to  part  with  them,  or  lease  for  a 
long  term,  but  if  you  could  obtain  an  annual  Rent  for 
either,  or  both,  without  running  me  to  any  expense,  it 
would,  however  small,  be  clear.  With  respect  to  my 
lots  in  Bath,  some  thing  ought  to  be  done  with  them. — 
The  Buildings  there  on,  together  with  the  lots,  stand  me 
in  at  least  £200 :  but  whether  common  interest  can  be 
obtained  in  a  Rent  for  them,  you,  who  know  the  state 
of  things  in  that  quarter  can  judge  better  of  than  I  am 
able  to  do.  &  therefore  I  leave  it  to  you,  to  act  for  me 
as  you  would  for  yourself. — If  they  were  even  let  to 
some  one  who  would  keep  the  buildings  in  Repair  it 
would  be  more  desirable  by  far  than,  without  a  tenant, 
or  some  person  to  take  care  of  them,  to  suffer  them  to 
fall  to  ruin. — 

I  do  not  know  whether  I  clearly  understand  your 
proposition  of  an  exchange  of  the  Land  in  Potomac  for 
a  Lot  in  Berkeley  County. —  The  first  contains  240 


1 72         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

acres  instead  of  140,  as  mentioned  in  your  letter,  200  of 
which  is  rich  River  bottom,  which  must  as  the  Naviga 
tion  of  the  River  improves,  become  extremely  valuable 
from  the  produce  it  is  capable  of,  besides  the  fine  black 
Walnuts  which  grow  thereon,  &  would  fetch  a  good 
sum  at  the  Federal  City;  if  others  can  be  restrained 
from  pilfering  them. — On  the  other  hand,  I  know  of  no 
land  I  hold  at  the  Mouth  of  Bullskin,  nor  any  lease  that 
was  ever  given  to  a  person  of  the  name  of  Dimmett. — 
No  such  name,  I  am  pretty  sure,  is  to  be  found  in  the 
original  list  of  my  Tenants,  and  equally  sure  I  am  no 
Leases  have  been  given  of  late  years  (with  my  consent) 
for  three  lives. — When  you  explain  this  matter  more 
fully,  it  will  be  more  in  my  power  than  it  is  at  present 
to  speak  to  you  on  this  particular  point. — Speaking  of 
Leases  for  lives,  I  am  led  to  observe  to  you,  that  the 
lives  will  never  decrease,  nor  the  proof  of  the  existence 
of  those  who  were  originally  inserted. — I  do  not  recollect 
any  instance  of  my  changing  names  where  the  leases 
have  been  transferred,  &  but  few  of  my  consenting  to 
transfers;  which  makes  me  more  desirous  of  knowing 
how  a  Person  of  the  name  of  Demmett  (which  I  do  not 
recollect  at  all)  should  be  possessed  of  a  lease  for  three 
lives. — I  hope  Muse  has  not  abused  my  confidence  in 
putting  blank  leases  into  his  hands — signed — in  order 
to  be  filled  up  thereafter,  by  doing  it  improperly. 

Although  I  can  very  illy  spare  the  money  arising 
from  the  Rents  you  have  collected ;  yet,  if  the  lots  are 
susceptible  of  such  augmentation  in  the  annual  income ; 
by  purchasing  in  the  leases  as  you  think  of,  I  consent  to 
your  applying  the  money  in  your  hands  to  this  purpose, 
in  cases  where  there  is  a  moral  certainty  of  a  consider 
able  increase  of  Rent;  and  that  the  purchases  are 
made  by  the  first  of  next  November. — You  will  ascer 
tain  precisely  before  you  attempt  these  purchases— 
ist  what  lives  are  certainly  existing  in  them,  &  2nd 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  173 

whether  the  Covenants  in  them  have  been  complied 
with  on  the  part  of  the  Tenants,  for  in  the  first  case  I 
may  be  purchasing  that  which  belongs  to  me  of  right, — 
and  in  the  second  case,  that  which  they  have  forfeited 
by  a  non-compliance  with  the  conditions  on  which  the 
leases  were  granted. — You  will  recollect  also,  that  by 
the  terms  of  one,  or  most  of  the  leases,  the  Tenant  is 
not  at  liberty  to  sell  to  any  one  without  my  consent. 

I  am  sorry  you  should  meet  with  any  difficulty  about 
the  land  I  gave  you,  near  the  Accoceek  old  Iron  Works. 
— I  am  not  possessed  of  any  Papers  belonging  to  it,  nor 
is  it  in  my  power  to  point  you  to  any  Office  where  they 
are  to  be  found ;  but  I  should  conceive  that  the  tract  is 
so  well  known  that  all  the  adjoining  land  holders  are 
able  to  show  you  the  bounds  of  it. — There  was  one 
John  Henry  that  knew  it  well — and  I  believe  Col: 
Charles  Carter  of  Ludlow  has  some  knowledge  of  it.  I 
have  been  told,  that  some  person  in  Falmouth  (whose 
name  I  do  not  recollect)  had  pillaged  the  land  of  the 
most  valuable  Pines  thereon;  and  that  either  he,  or 
some  other,  talked  of  escheating  it;  but  I  never  sup 
posed  injustice  would  prompt  any  one  to  such  a 
measure. — Perhaps  this,  or  some  such  mode  might  be 
advisable  for  you,  as  the  title  Papers  are  not  to  be 
found ;  nor  the  manner  in  which  my  Mother  came  by  it 
to  be  traced  with  precision. — By  Will  (I  have  under 
stood)  it  was  left  to  her  by  her  father  (Ball)  but  what 
his  Christian  Name  was  I  am  unable  to  tell  you,  nor  the 
County  he  lived  in  with  certainty  but  presume  it  was 
Lancaster. — This  Will  seems  to  me  to  be  the  only  clue 
by  which  the  title  can  be  traced ;  the  bequest,  probably, 
may  as  usual  contain  some  description  of  the  Land. 

Your  aunt  &  the  family  joins  me  in  best  regards  for 
Mrs.  Lewis. —  I  am — Dear  Sir 

Your  Sincere  friend  &  Affe.  uncle 
To  MR.  ROBT.  LEWIS.  GE.  WASHINGTON. 


i74         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

PHILADELPHIA,  29th.  May,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  duly  received  your  letter  of  the  i4th.  instant.- 

The  enclosed  to  Mr.  John  Lewis,  left  open  for  your 
perusal,  will  show  what  I  require  for  myself,  and  am 
willing  to  do  for  others. — Do  you  &  he  therefore,  after 
full  enquiry  into  facts,  point  out  what  this  ought  to  be 
— and  no  delay  shall  be  experienced  from  me. — 

The  two  hundred  pounds,  for  which  you  endorsed  an 
order  upon  a  Merchant  of  this  place,  has  been  duly 
paid.  The  remainder  of  the  money  due  me  for  the  pur 
chase  of  the  lots  (amounting  to  about  two  hundred 
pounds  more)  I  give,  as  I  desired  Mr.  Howell  Lewis  to 
inform  you  to  my  niece  Mrs.  Carter. — And  by  these 
presents  I  confirm  the  gift. — Give  my  love  to  her 

With  great  esteem  &  regard  I  am — Dear  Sir 
Your  Obedient  Servt. 

m    r*         n  T      -^  G-.  WASHINGTON. 

To  CHAS.  CARTER,  JR.,  Esqe. 

PHILADELPHIA,  29th.  May,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  letter  of  which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy  renders 
further  explanation  on  my  part  in  a  manner  unneces 
sary — I  must  beg  leave  notwithstanding  to  add  that 
when  mistakes  happen  the  sooner  they  can  be  rectified 
the  better. 

All  I  recollect  of  this  matter  (and  that  but  imper 
fectly)  is,  that  Colo.  Lewis  (your  father),  purchased 
from  a  Michael  Robinson  for  and  on  my  account,  the 
lots  in  Fredericksburg  on  which  my  mother  lived. — 
Robinson  (I  believe)  bought  them  of  him,  &  no  Deed 
having  been  made  for  them  he,  to  avoid  trouble  &  the 
expense  of  double  transfers,  conveyed  them  to  me. — 

If  this  was  done  by  wrong  numbers  it  is  incumbent 
on  you  as  heir  at  law,  to  correct  this  error  and  it  (may 
seem)  necessary  that  I  should,  for  that  same  reason, 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  175 

convey  the  lots  in  &  113  to  the  rightful  owners  of 
them. — 

I  wish  that  you  and  Mr.  Carter  wd.  examine  into  this 
matter  thoroughly,  &  whatever  is  proper  to  be  done  on 
my  part  shall  be  executed  without  delay. — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  Obed.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
To  JOHN  LEWIS,  Esq. 

PHILADELPHIA  2 7th  of  June  1795. 
Sir; 

Please  to  deliver  to  Mr.  Ross,  or  send  them  to  him  by 
a  careful  hand,  the  Surveys  of  all  my  lands  with  which 
you  have  been  furnished — 

And  let  me  entreat  you  to  make,  without  further 
delay,  a  final  settlement  of  the  accounts  between  us ; — 
pay  what  is  in  your  hands,  and  deposit  the  statement 
of  all  that  is  due  me  from  the  tenants,  with  the  papers 
showing  the  several  tenements,  with  Mr.  Nugent,  that 
he  may,  thereby,  be  enabled  to  go  on  with  my  busi 
ness. — 

I  am  Sir 

Your  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
COL.  JOHN  CANNON. 

PHILADELPHIA  9th  July  1795 
Sir, 

I  have  been  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  29th.  of 
April,  accompanying  your  Memoir  of  a  Map  of  Hin- 
doostan,  with  engravings,  etc. — for  your  kindness  in 
sending  which  I  entreat  you  to  accept  my  best  thanks. 

I  have  not  had  leisure  yet  to  look  over  them,  with 
attention:  but  I  am  persuaded  that  there  is  a  fund  of 
interesting  information  to  be  found  in  the  work:  for 


176         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

the  means  of  coming  at  which  I  am  extremely  thank 
ful. 

I  am — Sir 

Your  Obed.  &  very  Hble  Serv. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
JAMES  RENNELL,  ESQ. 

PHILADELPHIA  loth.  July  1795 
Revd.  Sir, 

It  has  so  happened  — but  really  I  can  hardly  tell 
how —  that  I  have  been  very  deficient  in  not  ac 
knowledging,  at  an  earlier  period  the  receipt  of  your 
obliging  favor  of  the  ist.  of  May  last  year,  accom 
panying  a  copy  of  the  works  of  the  venerable  Bishop 
of  Sodon  &  Man,  which,  agreeably  to  the  Will  of  the 
late  Doctor  Thomas  Wilson  (his  son)  you  had  the 
goodness  to  send  me. — 

Accept  now,  I  pray  you  Sir,  my  thanks  for  the  part 
you  have  executed  in  this  business  ;  and  the  assurances 
that  my  not  having  done  it  before  did  not  proceed  from 
want  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  the  author — his  son — 
or  yourself,  but  to  mere  accident. — With  very  great 
respect 

I  am — Sir  Your  most 

Obed.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
THE  REVD.  MR.  C.  CRUTTWELL. 

PHILADELPHIA,  July  i8th,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

If  in  a  letter,  not  long  since  written  to  you,  you  were 
authorized  to  rent  the  South  tract  of  land  I  hold  on 
Difficult  Road,  in  Loudon  County, — I  now  desire  that 
you  will  not  do  it — I  have  had  some  overtures  for  the 
purchase  of  it;  and  have  been  offered  five  pounds  an 
acre,  giving  credit,  which  I  was  willing  to  do,  but  the 
thing  that  parted  us  at  that  time,  and  may  possibly  do 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  177 

so  for  ever,  was  interest;  he  wanted  credit  without 
paying  this  to  which  I  would  not  consent — But  as  land 
thereabouts  is  rising  fast  in  value,  I  have  no  doubts  of 
obtaining  the  price  &  terms,  &  even  more,  by  keeping 
it  up,  provided  it  is  not  incumbered  with  a  Lease. — 

I  authorised  you  in  my  last,  to  lay  out  the  money 
collected  on  my  behalf  for  Rents  due  me,  in  purchas 
ing  in  the  Leases,  but  restricted  this  operation  not  to 
exceed  (if  I  recollect  rightly)  the  first  of  November. — 
I  now  prolong  it  until  the  first  of  January  (which  closes 
the  present  year)  beyond  which  you  are  not  at  liberty 
to  apply  money  to  this  purpose,  without  further  in 
structions  from  me. — 

You  must  be  very  particular  in  examining  into  the 
real  State  and  condition  of  the  Leases; — for  if  the  ac 
counts  of  the  Tenants  (without  this  enquiry)  is  to 
govern,  the  lives  will  never  expire. — It  is  essential  also 
to  know,  if  transfers  have  taken  place,  under  what 
authority  it  has  happened;  as  there  is  a  clause,  or 
covenant  in  the  leases  (if  my  memory  serves  me),  re 
straining  this,  without  written  permission  of  the  Land 
lord. — And  if  it  shall  appear,  by  any  of  the  leases,  that 
an  alteration  of  names,  from  the  original  instrument, 
has  taken  place,  to  learn,  with  precision,  by  what  means 
it  has  taken  place. — I  shall  expect  written  evidence  of 
these  facts. — A  verbal  explanation  without,  from  the 
Tenants,  will  not  satisfy  me. — 

My  love  to  Mrs.  Lewis  in  Wch.  your  Aunt  joins 
With  affect  friendship 

I  am  Yours 
To  MR.  ROBT.  LEWIS.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

PHILADELPHIA,  July  28th,  1794. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  2gth.  ulto.  came  to  my  hands  a 
few  days  ago  only. 


178         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Mr.  Samuel  Jackson  (if  that  is  the  name  of  the  per 
son  who  asked  me  sometime  in  the  course  of  last  winter 
if  I  would  dispose  of  my  land  in  Fayette,  &  at  what 
price)  must  very  greatly  have  misunderstood  my  an 
swer  if  he  conceived  thirty  shillings  an  acre  was  the 
value  I  had  set  upon  it. — 

The  truth  is,  that  at  no  period  since  I  dissolved  my 
partnership  with  Simpson,  &  had  any  idea  of  parting 
with  this,  &  my  other  land  West  of  the  Alligany  Moun 
tains,  did  I  ever  fix  a  less  value  than  forty  shillings  pr. 
Acre  on  the  tract  you  live. — It  is  not  to  be  presumed 
then  that  I  should  lower  my  price  when  it  was  increas 
ing  twenty  five,  fifty,  and  even  an  hundred  pt.  Ct.  in 
almost  every  direction. — 

Mr.  Jackson  must  have  mistaken  the  tract  in  Wash 
ington  County  for  that  in  Fayette,  from  the  price ;  for 
thirty  shillings  pr.  Acre  was  the  value  I  put  on  that. — 
The  conversation  I  had  with  that  Gentleman  was  very 
short ;  for  when  I  found  he  did  not  mean  to  be  the  pur 
chaser  himself,  but  was  making  enquiries  merely  to 
satisfy  his  own  curiosity  or  to  gratify  that  of  others,  I 
told  him  I  had  rated  them  at  such  &  such  prices,  40 /. 
I  think  for  that  in  Fayette  &  3o/,  for  the  others,  &  be 
ing  asked  if  I  would  allow  any  credit,  he  was 
answered  yes;  provided  a  certain  part  of  the  pur 
chase  was  paid  at  the  time  of  ensealing  &  delivery; 
and  interest  paid  on  the  residue.  But  he  was  told  at 
parting,  that  as  nothing  final  had  taken  place  between 
him  &  me,  he  was  not  to  consider  any  thing  that 
passed  between  us,  as  binding  upon  me  at  a  future 
day. — 

Mentioning  this  matter  to  a  Gentleman  well  ac 
quainted  with  the  value,  &  prices  of  land  in  that 
Country  he  told  me  he  thought  the  Land  on  wch.  you 
live  (the  whole  tract  I  mean)  would  fetch  Six  dollars 
an  acre;  — accordingly  Mr.  Ross  of  Washington  (one 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  179 

of  your  Senators)  has  been  authorized  to'sell  both  tracts. 
Not  knowing  therefore  what  he  may  have  done  in  this 
matter  I  can  not  be  more  precise  with  you,  at  this  time. 
If  the  land  is  not  already  under  engagement,  and  I  do 
not  believe  it  is,  as  it  is  but  lately  the  power  to  dispose 
of  is  was  given,  it  would  give  me  plaesure  that  you  shd. 
have  the  preference,  if  Mr.  Ross  and  you  can  agree  on 
the  price. — And  if  you  would  pay  a  fourth  of  the  pur 
chase  down,  you  might  have  credit  for  the  residue  four, 
five,  or  even  six  years, — giving  the  land,  and  your 
Bond  bearing  the  rest,  as  Security 

With  esteem  &  regard  I  am  Sir 
Yr  Very  Hble  Serv 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  ISRAEL  SHREVE. 

GERMANTOWN,  Augt.  ioth.,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

We  removed  to  this  place  about  twelve  days  ago  to 
avoid  the  heat  of  Philadelphia, — &  probably  may  re 
main  at  it  until  the  middle  of  next  month.  It  was  here 
I  received  your  letter  of  the  5th.  instant,  which  came  to 
my  hands  yesterday. 

The  business  of  establishing  Arsenals,  and  providing 
proper  places  for  them,  is  within  the  Department  of 
War ;  the  Secretary  of  which  (General  Knox)  set  out  on 
Friday  last  for  the  Provence  of  Main,  and  will  not  be 
returned  in  less  than  six  weeks. — But  as  I  am  persuaded 
he  has  no  idea  (nor  are  there  indeed  funds  provided 
equal  thereto)  of  giving  25,000  Dollars  for  the  Site  of 
one,  only,  I  would  not  have  you,  by  any  means,  avoid 
sowing  wheat,  or  doing  any  thing  else  which  you  might 
have  had  in  contemplation  to  do,  on  Account  of  what 
I  mentioned  to  you  in  my  last,  on  this  subject. — 

What  (under  the  rose  I  ask  it)  is  said  or  thought,  as 
far  as  it  has  appeared  to  you,  of  the  conduct  of  the 


i8o        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

People  in  the  Western  Counties  of  this  State  (Penn 
sylvania)  towards  the  excise  Officers  ? — and  does  there 
seem  to  be  a  disposition  among  those  with  whom  you 
converse,  to  bring  them  to  a  sense  of  their  duty,  &  obe 
dience  to  law  by  coercion,  if,  after  they  are  fully  notified 
by  Proclamation  &  other  expedients  of  the  conse 
quences  of  such  outrageous  proceedings,  they  do  not 
submit  to  the  Laws  of  the  United  States,  &  suffer  the 
Collection  of  the  duties  upon  Spirituous  Liquors,  & 
Stills,  to  be  made  as  in  other  places? — In  a  word — 
would  there  be  any  difficulty,  as  far  as  the  matter  has 
passed  under  your  observation  in  drawing  out  a 
part  of  the  Militia  of  Loudon,  Berkeley,  &  Frederick 
to  quell  this  rebellious  spirit,  &  to  support  order  &  good 
government? — You  will  readily  perceive  that  questions 
of  this  sort  from  me  to  you  &  your  answers  are  for  my 
private  information,  &  to  go  no  further  than  ourselves. 
I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  your  bad  state  of  health  re 
quires  the  Waters  of  Bath,  but  hope  they  will  restore 
you — My  love  (in  which  Mrs.  Washington  unites)  is 
offered  to  Mrs.  Ball  &  the  family — 

I  am —  Yr.  Affecte. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COL.   BURGESS  BALL 

PHILADELPHIA,  Novr.  23d.,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

It  has  not  been  in  my  power  to  acknowledge,  with 
convenience,  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  i4th.  ulto. 
until  now;-first,  because  it  did  not  get  to  my  hands 
until  my  return  from  the  Westward,  and  2dly,  because 
my  attention,  ever  since  to  the  present  moment,  has 
been  occupied  in  examing  the  various  papers  on  which 
my  communications  to  Congress  were  to  be  founded. — 

I  do  not  see  how  any  one  can  decide  so  well  on  the 
project  you  have  in  contemplation  as  yourself,  who  has 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  181 

a  view  of  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  before  you  ;- 
and  who  know  how  far  so  important  a  change  in  the 
scene,  as  that  of  transplanting  yourself  and  family  into 
a  new  country,  is  reconcilable  to  your  feelings  &  dis 
positions. — and  because,  from  the  enquiries  you  have 
undoubtedly  made,  you  must  better  know  than  any 
other  who  has  turned  his  thoughts  to  the  subject,  what 
you  can  sell  for  here,  and  buy  at  there. — 

It  has  always  been  my  opinion  that  new  countries  (by 
this  I  mean  the  interior  of  our  own)  are  the  best  to  lay 
the  foundation  of  wealth,  in  as  much  as  lands  which 
comparatively  speaking,  are  to  be  had  there  cheap, 
rise  in  a  fourfold  ratio  to  what  they  do  on  the  Atlantic 
Sea. — and  it  is  to  this  circumstance,  and  the  opportun 
ities  of  acquiring  them  (by  being  on  the  scene)  that  the 
advantages  consist. — as,  until  the  navigation  of  the 
Mississippi  can  be  obtained,  or  the  communication 
between  the  Eastern  &  Western  Waters  be  made  more 
easy,  than  is  the  case  at  present,  the  principal  demand 
for  the  product  of  the  land  is  found  in  the  emigrants 
who  resort  to  it. — To  this  cause  also,  is  to  be  ascribed 
the  rapidly  increasing  prices  of  those  lands. — 

In  one  part  of  your  letter,  you  talk  of  removing  to 
Kentucky;  and  in  another,  of  investing  money  in  lands 
to  West  of  the  Ohio,  which  creates  a  doubt  as  to  your 
principal  view.  You  are  not  uninformed,  I  presume, 
that  there  is  no  land  office  open  at  this  time  in  the  last 
mentioned  District;  and  that  there  is  no  means  by 
which  land  can  be  obtained  there,  at  present,  except  by 
purchase  of  Army  rights,  or  from  some  of  those  com 
panies  to  whom  Congress  have  sold  large  tracts : — and 
in  the  present  stage  of  our  disputes  with  the  Indians, 
that  no  settlement  is  thought  safe  from  the  scalping 
knife,  that  is  not  under  the  protection  of  some  fort. — 
The  same  indeed  may  be  said  of  the  frontiers  of  Ken 
tucky,  while  the  central  lands  in  that  state  are,  as  I  am 


i82         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

informed,  selling  very  high.     But  of  these  facts  you 
must  be  better  informed  than  I  am. — 

I  should  think  it  perfectly  expedient — as  soon  as  you 
shall  have  resolved  to  sell  your  lands  on  Rappahanock 
to  advertise  it  in  all  the  principal  Gazettes,  from 
Richmond  to  New  York  inclusively ;  and  not  to  be  too 
hasty  in  dispossing  of  it,  except  for  a  very  good  price ; 
as  there  are  reasons  to  believe  that  in  the  course  of  this 
winter  and  the  ensuing  spring  and  summer,  many  men 
of  property  from  Europe  will  remove  to  this  country, 
or  send  over  their  property,  with  a  view  to  invest  it, 
either  in  our  funds,  or  in  lands. — 

With  respect  to  the  other  species  of  property,  con 
cerning  which  you  ask  my  opinion,  I  shall  frankly  de 
clare  to  you  that  I  do  not  like  even  to  think,  much  less 
talk  of  it. — However,  as  you  have  put  the  question,  I 
shall,  in  a  few  words,  give  you  my  ideas  of  it. — Were  it 
not  then,  that  I  am  principled  agt.  selling  negroes,  as 
you  would  do  cattle  at  a  market,  I  would  not,  in  twelve 
months  from  this  date,  be  possessed  of  one  as  a  slave. — 
I  shall  be  happily  mistaken,  if  they  are  not  found  to  be 
a  very  troublesome  species  of  property  ere  many  years 
pass  over  our  heads  (but  this  by  the  bye) — For  this 
reason — and  because  there  is  but  little  sale  for  what  is 
raised  in  the  western  country,  it  remains  for  you  to 
consider  whether  their  value  would  not  be  more  pro 
ductive  in  lands,  reserving  enough  for  necessary  pur 
poses,  than  to  carry  many  of  them,  there.  My  love 
to  Mrs.  Spots  wood  and  the  family. 

I  am —  Dear  Sir    Your  Affecte  Servant 

GE  WASHINGTON. 
To  GENL.  ALEXANDER  SPOTSWOOD. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Jany.  isth.,  1795. 
Sir, 

I  avail  myself  of  your  obliging  offer  to  dispose  of  the 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  183 

lands  I  hold  in  the  counties  of  Fayette  &  Washington,- 
hereby  empowering  you  to  see  the  same  on  the  terms 
which  have  been  mentioned  to  you. 

If  one  fourth  of  the  money  is  paid  at  the  time  of  con 
veyance  or  within  a  short  period  thereafter,  I  would 
allow  four,  five  or  six  years  credit  for  the  other  three 
fourths ;  provided  the  payment  thereof  be  well  secured 
agreeably  to  contract;  and  the  interest  in  the  mean 
while  assured  with  punctuality  as  it  becomes  due,  in 
one  of  the  Banks  of  this  city — or  in  either  of  those  of 
Baltimore,  Georgetown  or  Alexandria.  The  regular 
payment  of  which,  at  stated  periods  being  a  primary 
consideration  with  me. — 

The  tract  in  Fayette  County  contains  1,544^  acres 
besides  the  usual  allowance  of  P.  C. — The  other,  by 
Patent,  is  2,813  acres  but  by  aresurvey  was  found  to 
measure  more  than  3,000  acres.  A  description  of  them 
would  be  nugatory,  the  presumption  being  that  the 
purchaser  whomsoever  he  may  be,  will  examine  the 
land  and  judge  for  himself. — It  may  not  be  amiss,  how 
ever,  that  it  should  be  generally  known  that  both  tracts 
has  improved,  and  that  one  of  them  has  a  mill  there  on, 
and  a  considerable  of  Iron  Ore  within  less  than  30 
yards  of  the  Mill  house. — 

Having  from  long  experience  found  that  landed 
property  at  a  distance  from  the  proprietor,  who  is  not 
able  to  pay  attention  to  it,  is  more  productive  of  plague 
than  profit,  I  feel  strongly  disposed  to  sell  all  the  lands 
I  hold  on  the  Ohio  and  Great  Kanhawa ;  (about  33,000 
acres)*  in  Seven  surveys,  provided  I  can  obtain,  by  giv 
ing  a  pretty  long  credit,  what  I  conceive  it  is  worth. — 
For  the  reason  already  mentioned,  a  particular  des 
cription  of  these  lands  would  in  a  manner  be  useless 
but  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  add,  that  they  are  the  cream 
of  the  country  in  which  they  lye, — the  first  chosen  of  it  ;- 
and  are  entirely  free  from  disputes  of  every  kind. — 


184         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

The  whole  is  internal  land,  boarded  by  the  rivers  above 
mentioned,  and  margined  by  them  59  miles. — They 
consist  of  three  Surveys  on  the  Ohio,  and  four  on  the 
Great  Kanhawa. — The  first  named  are  on  the  East  side 
of  the  River,  betwn.  the  little  and  great  Kanhawa; — 
the  frost  of  these  tracts,  is  the  first  large  bottom  below 
the  mouth  of  the  little  Kanhawa,  and  about  13  miles 
from  Mariatte;  containing  2,314  ac.,  boarded  by  the 
river  5^  miles. — The  2nd  tract  is  the  4th  large  bottom 
(on  the  same  side  of  the  river)  about  16  miles  lower 
down,  containing  2,048  acres,  boarded  by  the  river  3^ 
miles — the  third  tract,  is  the  next  large  bottom,  3^ 
miles  lower  down,  opposite  nearly  to  the  great  bend, 
containing  4,395  acres,  with  a  margin  of  the  River  of 
five  miles. — The  other  four  tracts  are  on  the  Great 
Kanhawa,  as  observed  before. — The  first  of  them,  is  on 
the  West  side;  beginning  about  two  miles  from  its 
confluence  with  the  Ohio,  and  boarded  by  the  former 
17  miles;  containing  10,990  acres. — The  seed,  tract 
is  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  a  little  higher  up  and  con 
tains  7,276  acs.  boarded  by  the  river  13  miles. — The 
other  two  are  at  the  mouth  of  Cole  River,  on  both 
sides  of  the  Kanhawa,  and  in  the  fork  between ;  contain 
ing  together  4,950  acres  having  a  fronton  the  river  (both 
sides)  of  twelve  miles. —  Besides  these  have  a  small 
tract  of  587  acres  on  the  Ohio,  called  the  round  bottom; 
lying  opposite  to  the  mouth  of  Pipe  Creek,  which  is 
about  15  miles  below  Wheeling;  but  nothing  short  of  a 
large  price  would  induce  me  to  part  with  this  tract — 
it  is  bordered  by  the  river  2  J  miles. — The  soil  is  of  the 
very  richest  quality,  is  in  the  shape  of  a  horse  shoe,  with 
a  beautiful  situation  for  a  house  thereon. 

Any  services  you  can  render  me  in  the  disposal  of 
these  lands  on  the  terms  I  have  conversed  with  you 


THE  STUART  PORTRAIT  OF   MARTHA  WASHINGTON 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  185 

respecting  them,  would  be  gratefully  acknowledged  by 
Dear  Sir,        Your  Obed.  Hble.  Serv 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

(*)  The  exact  quantity  in  these  7  surveys  is  32,3 73  acres. 
To  The  HONBLE.  JAMES  Ross,  Esq. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Jan.  i8th,  1795. 
Dear  Sir, 

Herewith,  you  will  receive  Plate,  and  description  of 
two  tracts  of  land  which  I  hold  in  Kentucky,  on  the 
Waters  of  Eough  Creek. — If  you  have  any  knowledge 
of  the  land  in  the  part  of  the  country  these  are  said  to 
lye  in;  or,  if  your  brother  John  or  any  other  within 
your  reach  has,  I  shd.  be  obliged  to  you,  for  such  in 
formation  respecting  them  as  can  be  obtained.  I 
wish  also  to  know  in  what  part  of  the  state  of  Ken 
tucky  they  lye; —  and  what  the  selling  price  of  lands 
thereabouts  is. — In  a  word,  what  you  think  mine  are 
worth  from  the  description  given  of  them — and  part 
they  lye  in. 

The  papers  I  send  are  copies,  which  you  may  keep; 
and  when  you  go  in  to  Kentucky,  as  I  think  you  said  it 
was  your  intention  to  do  the  coming  Spring,  I  would 
thank  you  for  investigating  this  subject  fully,  and  for 
writing  me  a  particular  account  of  the  Land,  and  what 
you  suppose  it  is  worth  and  would  sell  for, — whether 
they  lye  in  or  out  of  the  settled  part  of  the  State — what 
the  properties  of  the  land  are, — and  whether  the 
streams  with  which  it  is  said  to  abound  are  fit  for  water 
works. — If  they  lye  near  your  own  lands  I  could  wish 
to  receive  the  details  from  your  own  view  of  them,  and 
observation  thereon. — 

My  love  to  Mrs.  Lewis,  in  which  your  aunt  and  the 
family  join,  concludes  me  your  sincere  friend  and 

affectionate  uncle 
To  GEORGE  LEWIS.  Go.  WASHINGTON. 


i86        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

PHILADELPHIA,  i7th.  May,  1795. 
Sir, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  8th.  inst. — and  if 
writings  drawn  strictly  conformable  to  the  spirit  of  the 
instructions  contained  in  the  enclosed  letter  to  Charles 
Lee,  Esqr.  (left  open  for  your  perusal)  will  answer  your 
views  in  the  purchase  of  my  land  on  Difficult  run  they 
may  be  prepared  by  him,  and  sent  to  me  for  the  sig 
nature  on  my  part. — for  the  other  hand  adhering  as 
strictly  as  I  do  to  the  principle  on  which  I  set  out,  does 
not  meet  your  approbation,  be  so  good  as  to  return  the 
letter  and  deeds  therein,  &  the  receipt  of  them  will 
not  be  less  acceptable  than  the  first  named  writings. 

You  will  perceive  by  these  instructions,  that  not  a 
stick  of  timber,  wood,  coal  or  ore  (if  any  should  be  on 
the  land)  is  to  be  removed  therefrom,  until  the  purchase 
money  is  paid. — This  may  be  interpreted  (at  first  view 
a  rigid  clause ;  inasmuch  as  the  ground  which  may  be 
cleared,  &  the  timber  which  may  be  cut  for  fencing  & 
other  purposes,  might  afford  more  firewood  that  the 
immediate  demand  of  the  farm  might  require; — this 
may  be  true,  but  it  does  not  follow  that  it  will  be  lost  if 
corded. — To  husband  it  therefore  (while  I  retain  an 
interest  in  the  land) ;  to  avoid  all  inducement  to  fell  it, 
faster  than  the  farm  may  require; — and  to  avoid  all 
ground  for  dispute. — in  a  word,  not  to  lessen  the  value 
of  the  property  until  it  is  actually  gone  from  my  use  my 
motives  to  this  precaution  especially,  as  the  removal 
from  off  the  land  of  a  timber  tree  or  two  or  a  few  cords 
of  wood  might  give  rise  to  a  magnified  pale  which  might 
induce  investigation;  &  be  productive  of  unpleasant 
sensations: — to  avoid  which  is  more  desirable  than  to 
apply  a  remedy. 

I  am  Sir,  Your  Obedient  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  JOHN  GILL, 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  187 

PHILADELPHIA,  i7th.  May,  1795. 
Dear  Sir, 

Mr.  Gill  (of  Alexandria)  and  I,  have  been  in  treaty 
some  time  for  a  small  tract  of  land  which  I  hold  in 
Loudoun  County  on  Difficult  run,  at  the  bridge  on  the 
Leesburgh  road. — If  he  will  agree  to  the  following  terms 
from  the  spirit  of  which  there  will  be  no  departure — 
such  writings  as  will  subserve  both  of  our  purposes,  I 
pray  you  to  draw. — 

i  st.  For  him  to  hold  the  land  by  lease,  for  the  term 
of  ten  years,  to  commence  from  the  date  of  the 
instrument  for  the  use  and  occupation  of  which 
he  is  to  pay  in  coin  of  the  United  States,  or  other 
money  current  at  the  time,  &  equivalent  thereto, 
four  hundred  and  thirty  three  dollars  and  a 
third  yearly,  and  every  year  during  the  contin 
uance  of  the  said  lease,  at  the  Bank  of  Alex 
andria,  for  which  a  check  is  to  be  given. — 
2nd.  If  any  part  of  the  said  sum  of  43  3  J  shall  be  be 
hind,  or  unpaid  in  manner  aforesd,  thirty  days 
after  the  same  shall  become  due,  it  shall  &  may 
be  lawful  (and  optional  for  me  to  re-enter  and 
take  possession  of  the  premises  as  if  no  such 
lease  had  ever  been  granted, — and  if  property 
shouldn't  be  found  thereon  adequate  to  the  rent, 
recourse  in  the  ordinary  mode  may  be  resorted 
to  for  recovery  of  the  same. — 
3rd.  That  not  a  timber  tree — stick  of  wood,  coal 
made  therefrom — or  ore,  if  any  be  on  the  land, 
shall  be  removed  therefrom  under  any  pretense 
whatsoever ;  or  used  otherwise  than  for  the  pur 
poses  of  the  premises. 

4th.  That  for  the  support  and  benefit  of  the  same, 
there  shall  be  left  standing  on  the  said  tract,  at 
the  expiration  of  the  lease  a  fourth  part,  at 
least,  of  the  wood, 


1 88         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

5th.  It  is  understood  and  agreed,  and  the  parties 
accordingly  are  to  bind  themselves  as  follow — 
viz. — John  Gill,  his  heirs  &ca.  to  pay  to  George 
Washington  his  heirs  &ca.  on  or  at  any  time  be 
fore  the  expiration  of  the  aforementioned  term 
of  ten  years,  the  sum  of  Six  thousand,  six  hun 
dred  and  sixty  six  dollars,  &  two  thirds  of  a 
dollar,  in  the  manner  aforementioned ; — and  for 
surety  thereof  is  to  give  his  own  bond  if  suffici 
ent  penalty. — In  consideration  of  which  pay 
ment,  well  and  truly  performed  George  Wash 
ington,  or  his  heirs  &c.  is  to  convey,  in  fee 
simple,  the  aforesaid  tract ;  and  the  rent  thence 
forward  is  to  cease,  &  determine. — 

6th.  Where  by  Deeds  of  lease  &  release  from  the 
Revd.  Mr.  Fairfax  to  me,  the  stream  of  Diffi 
cult  run  is  made  the  boundary  between  the  land 
thus  conveyed,  and  land  conveyed  by  Deed  from 
(space  in  original)  to  on  the  other,  or  lower  side 
of  the  run  whereas  by  the  last  mentioned  deed, 
a  straight  line  is  called  for  as  the  boundary  be 
tween  the  two  tracts,  which  may,  according  to 
circumstances,  occasion  a  diminution  in  the 
quantity  of  my  land;  now  it  is  understood  and 
agreed,  (be  this  as  it  may)  that  no  alteration, 
consequent  thereof,  is  to  take  place  in  the  rent, 
or  in  the  purchase  money  of  this  tract:  for  by 
the  tract  and  not  by  the  acre,  I  sell  it. — The  Deed 
from  Mr.  Fairfax  to  me  specifies  two  hundred  & 
seventy  five  acres  only:  Just  by  a  resurvey,  if  I 
recollect  rightly,  it  measures  Three  hundred  & 
three  acres, — but  I  mean  to  give  no  other  war 
rants  than  I  have  received  of  it ; — and  from  this, 
to  accept  what  might  be  involved  in  dispute 
by  the  different  lines,  &  so  I  would  have  it 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  189 

expressed,    in   order   to   avoid   a   controversy 
hereafter. — 
With  great  esteem  and  regard 

I  am — Dear  Sir,  Your  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  CHARLES  LEE,  Esqr. 

PHILADELPHIA,  25th.  May  1795. 
Sir, 

With  much  sensibility  I  received  your  polite  letter 
of  the  25th.  of  March  from  Kingston. — 

I  thank  you,  Sir,  for  the  plants  which  are  mentioned 
in  the  list  which  accompanied  it. — Presuming  they  ar 
rived  at  Norfolk  with  the  letter,  I  have  requested  a 
gentleman  of  my  acquaintance  at  that  place  to  forward 
them  to  my  Garden  at  Mount  Vernon  on  the  Potomack 
River,  near  Alexandria,  Virginia,  and  I  feel  myself 
particularly  obliged  by  the  offer  to  supply  me  with 
other  plants  for  the  Botanical  gardens  in  Jamaica. 

When  my  situation  will  allow  me  to  pay  more  at 
tention  than  I  am  able  to  do  at  present,  to  situations  of 
this  kind,  which  combine  utility,  ornament  and  amuse 
ment — I  shall  certainly  avail  myself  of  the  liberty  you 
have  authorized  me  to  take,  in  requesting  a  small 
supply  of  such  exotics,  as,  with  a  little  aid  may  be  re 
conciled  to  the  climate  of  my  garden. — In  the  mean 
time,  I  will  cause  inquiry  to  be  made  for  the  plants 
which  are  required  for  your  garden  at  Liguanea  agree 
ably  to  the  list  of  Mr.  Wiles.— 

I  am,  Sir       Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  FARLIE  CHRISTIE,  Esqe. 

PHILADELPHIA,  June  27th.,  1795. 
Sir, 

Had  the  terms  on  which  I  offered  you  my  land  in 


i go         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Fayette  county  been  complied  with  on  your  part,  the 
bargain,  as  I  informed  you  in  my  letters,  would  have 
been  conclusive  on  mine. — But  this  not  being  done,  and 
the  end  of  June  likely  to  be  as  reproductive  as  the  first 
of  it,  of  the  payment  which  was  then  to  have  been  made, 
I  conceive  myself  under  no  obligation  to  fulfil  the  offer 
I  made  you  on  the  i4th  of  January  last,  of  the  above- 
mentioned  land. — Nevertheless,  if  by  the  first  day  of 
August  next  you  shall  pay  One  thousand  pounds 
Pennsylvania  curry,  with  interest  thereon  down  the 
first  day  of  June — and  interest  on  the  remaining  sum 
from  that  first  of  June  agreeably  to  the  former  pro 
posals,  in  the  letter  above  mentioned — and  do,  more 
over  pay  up  all  arrearages  of  Rent  (on  account  of  which 
I  learn  from  Colo.  Cannon,  to  my  very  great  surprise, 
much  is  due)  the  conveyance  will  be  made  to  you  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  payment  had,  according  to 
agreement,  taken  place  on  the  first  of  this  month. — If 
it  is  not,  I  do  hereby  declare,  that  the  former  agreement 
&  the  present  offer,  will  be  considered  as  null  and  void, 
to  all  interests  and  purposes,  as  much  so,  as  if  no  ne 
gotiation  had  ever  taken  place  between  us  for  the  said 
land. — 

With  esteem  &  regard  I  am — Sir 

Your  Very  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  ISRAEL  SHREVE. 

PHILADELPHIA,  28th  June,  1795. 
Sir, 

Business,  and  other  circumstances,  have  prevented 
my  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  23d. 
of  April  until  now,  that  I  do  it  by  Mr.  Ross. — 

I  have  seen  Colo.  Cannon,  and  in  strong  terms  have 
represented  to  him  the  impropriety  of  his  delay  in  fur 
nishing  you  with  a  statement  of  the  concerns  between 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  191 

(him  in  my  behalf)  and  the  tenants  in  the  counties  of 
Fayette  &  Washington,  &  in  not  making  a  final  settle 
ment  of  all  the  accounts  between  us. — If  any  depen 
dence  can  be  placed  in  his  assurances,  he  would  as  soon 
as  he  returned  home  be  ready  to  render  his  accounts, 
and  give  in  this  statement  which  has  been  required  of 
him — but  he  is  continually  reducing  the  Rents  under 
pretence  of  allowing  for  improvements. — This,  to  be 
sure,  is  singular  enough,  for  fencing  &ca.  of  plantations  or 
farms  which  have  been  settled  fifteen  or  twenty  years. — 
If  the  tenants  on  Dogue  run  have  carried  wheat  to  Colo. 
Cannon's  mill,  it  behoves  them  to  receive  payment  for 
it,  and  therewith  to  discharge  their  rents  to  you ;  for  I 
shall  look  to  them  and  not  to  him,  from  whom  I  can  get 
nothing  without  more  trouble  than  it  is  worth — and 
who  ought  not  to  have  concerned  himself  with  the 
business  after  it  was  put  in  your  hands  which  are  due 
after  that  period. — 

It  would  be  well  to  ascertain  what  is  due  from  Colo. 
Shreve  on  account  of  Rent  as  soon  as  possible  for  he  will 
receive  no  conveyance  of  the  lands  on  which  he  lives 
until  all  the  arrears  due  thereon  (as  well  as  the  first 
payment  of  the  purchase  money)  are  paid  up. 

Having  experienced  more  losses  than  profit  in  col 
lecting  the  rents  of  the  lands  in  the  counties  before 
mentioned.  It  is  my  intention  to  sell  both  tracts  if  I 
can  obtain  what  I  conceive  to  be  my  worth  of  them  as 
leases  therefore  might  impede  the  sale,  I  am  not  dis 
posed  at  this  time,  under  these  circumstances  to  give 
any. — Among  the  papers  which  were  deposited  in  the 
hands  of  Colo.  Cannon,  were  copies  of  the  Surveys  of 
my  lands  on  the  Ohio  &  great  Kanhawa; — if  these 
should  have  been  received  by  you,  I  request  that  they 
may  be  given,  or  by  some  safe  conveyance  sent  to  Colo. 
Ross  your  Senator. — And  I  pray  you  to  write  me,  as 
soon  as  you  can,  what  state  my  business  is  in  with  the 


i92         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Tenants — what  sum  you  have  actually  received  on 
account  of  Rent — what  you  have  a  prospect  of  soon 
receiving — and  what  is  due. — In  short,  I  wish  to  know 
what  the  real  situation  of  my  affairs,  as  they  respect 
these  tracts  is. — 

I  do  not  know  of  any  business  which  the  United 
States  have,  at  the  time  that  requires  Surveyors,  nor 
likely  to  be  until  a  land  office  is  opened,  whether  this 
will  happen  I  know  no  more  than  you  do. 
I  am  Sir 

Your  very  Hble.  Servt. 
To  MR.  CHAS.  MORGAN.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

PHILADELPHIA,  loth  July,    1795. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  9th  of  March,  and  the  works  which 
accompanied  it,  I  have  had  the  pleasure  to  read — but 
not  that  of  seeing  Mr.  Wilson ;  who  either  from  his  own 
engagements,  or  knowledge  he  obtained  of  mine,  must 
have  been  prevented  from  calling. — For  the  books  I 
thank  you. — 

You  much  over  rate  any  civilities  which  chance  may 
have  enabled  me  to  show  you  in  the  course  of  the  War 
between  Great  Britain  and  this  country.  The  view 
which  you  are  to  take  of  the  latter,  is  flattering  to  it. — 
I  hope  it  will  deceive  none  who  may  turn  their  atten 
tion  hitherward. — 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Sir 
Yr.  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  GENL.  NORMAN  McLEOD. 

(Private)  PHILADELPHIA  yth.  Feby.  1796 

Dear  Sir 

I  am  glad  to  find  by  the  last  letter  which  we  have 
received  from  our  friend  in  the  Federal  City  that  you 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  193 

had  recovered  from  the  indisposition  the  proceeding 
ones  announced. 

You  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  advertisement, 
that  I  am  making  an  essay  to  accomplish  what  I  com 
municated  to  you  in  confidence  when  I  was  last  in 
Virginia. — I  call  it  an  essay  because  I  have  no  sanguine 
expectation  of  ameliorating  the  plan  so  far  as  to  carry 
it  into  complete  effect  in  the  course  of  next  year. — If 
I  can  succeed  so  far  as  to  be  enabled  to  give  up  the 
Dower  negros  at  all,  and  at  terms  below  what  impartial 
me,  &  shall  say  their  hire  is  worth,  it  will  amount  to 
the  full  extent  of  my  expectation,  and  this  I  would  wish 
to  accomplish  before  the  other  part  of  my  plan  is  at 
tempted: — and  quite  enough  it  will  be,  when  it  is  con 
sidered  how  much  the  Dower  Negros  and  my  own  are 
intermarried  and  the  former  with  the  neighboring 
Negros,  to  part  whom  will  be  an  affecting  and  trying 
affair,  happen  when  it  will. — For  which,  and  other  rea 
sons,  I  wish  no  mention  to  be  made  thereof  until  the  way 
is  a  little  more  open ; — until  I  see  what  effect  the  adver 
tisement  will  have ; — I  shall  soon  tell  from  these  devel- 
opements.  I  shall  be  able  to  take  more  decisive 
measures; — or  in  other  words,  then  I  shall  be  able  to 
support  myself  without  these  aids. — If  I  can  accom 
plish  the  first  part  of  the  plan,  in  any  manner  tolerably 
convenient  &  satisfactory  to  all  that  are  interested  in 
it,  I  certainly  will  do  it. — The  whole  part  must  depend 
in  some  measure  on  the  succedaneum;  &  an  elibable 
mode  of  carrying  it  into  effect. — The  current  of  my 
wishes  is  stronger  to  the  second  than  to  the  first  part  of 
the  plan,  but  reasons  of  a  political —  indeed  of  im 
perious  nature  must  make  it  a  posterior  operation. 

Among  other  reasons  for  promulgating,  as  exten 
sively  as  I  mean  to  do,  the  renting  of  my  farms,  is  the 
expectation  that  some  of  the  Gazettes  in  which  the 
advertisement  is  inserted,  will  find  their  way  into 


i94         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

England  or  Scotland,  and  may  induce  such  associations 
as  are  therein  alluded  to,  to  form  and  come  out,  for  I 
have  no  idea  of  frittering  up  the  farms,  for  the  accomo- 
dation  of  our  country  farmers,  whose  knowledge — 
practice  at  least — centres  in  the  destruction  of  the 
land,  and  very  little  beyond  it.  I  neither  expect  nor 
desire  that  associations  from  either  England  or  Scot 
land  would  form  and  come  out  hap-hazard;  but  such 
associations  might  send  a  confidential  person  to  espy 
the  land. — and  report  to  them:  and  if  it  should  fall 
in  your  way  to  suggest  anything  of  this  sort  to  any  of 
the  British  merchants*  of  your  acquaintance  as  from 
yourself,  I  should  be  obliged  to  you. — I  shall  in  less 
than  a  week,  or  on  this  day  week,  communicate  the 
terms  on  which  these  farms  (will  be  let  to  M.  S.  Faar- 
say  (?)  ) 

I  find  by  our  last  letters  from  the  Federal  city  that 
Betsey  Custis  has  cast  her  lot — very  much  she  says, 
to  her  own  satisfaction — having  given  it  due  weight 
and  consideration  in  every  point  of  view  she  could 
place  the  matter  so,  of  course  disparity  in  age  could 
not  have  escaped. — Mr.  Law,  so  far  as  I  have  obtained 
any  knowledge  of  his  character,  is  a  respectable  man 
and  much  esteemed, — and  is  reputed  to  be  wealthy : — 
but  he  is  a  stranger,  and  may,  at  least  in  a  degree,  be 
an  Agent,  for  which  reasons,  I  think  prudence  requires, 
and  as  a  man  of  honor  he  cannot  refuse,  to  make  a 
settlement  upon  her  previous  to  marriage; — of  her 
own  fortune,  if  no  more. 

Speaking  on  this  subject,  it  reminds  me  of  another, 
which  has  anology  to  it; — that  is — in  allotting  to  Mr. 
Thomas  Peter  the  Negros  who  fell  to  the  share  of  his 
wife  had  you  adverted  to  the  circumstance,  that 
Mrs.  Washington's  Dower  Negros  (which  were  hired 
to  her  father)  were  not  to  have  been  among  those  to 
a  share  of  whom  she  has  any  claim? — If  you  did  not, 


OP  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  195 

and  they  assisted  to  form  the  aggregate,  of  which 
the  division  was  made,  the  proceeding  was  either 
wrong,  or  I  am  under  a  misconception  of  the  right  of 
Washington  Custis. — I  suggest  the  quest  for  informa 
tion,  ist  as  to  the  fact — next,  if  the  case  has  happened, 
as  to  the  right,  then  if  a  mistake  has  happened,  the 
sooner  it  is  rectified  the  better. — With  great  esteem 
and  regard,  I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  affectionate        G.  WASHINGTON. 
DAVID  STUART,  Esq. 

*In  Alexandria  or  Dunfries  only,  I  mean. 
To  David  Stuart,  Esq.,  ;th.  Feb.  1796.     P 

PHILADELPHIA,  i4th.  Novr.,  1796. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  9th.  has  been  duly  received. — 
When  I  authorized  Mr.  Pearce  to  sell  my  flour,  I  limited 
him  to  the  largest  credit  the  circumstances  of  my  own 
concert  would  enable  me  to  give,  consistently  with  my 
own  wants  &  the  arrangements  I  had  contemplated. — 
To  extend  the  credit  ninety  days  longer,  would  not  only 
damage  my  own  plans — but,  as  the  same  causes  will 
always  produce  the  same  effects, — at  the  end  of  ninety 
days,  a  further  indulgence  might  be  required. — 

It  is  from  the  produce  of  this  flour  that  Mr.  Pearce 
himself; — all  the  Overseers, — and  a  variety  of  other 
incidental  expences,  are  to  be  paid. — It  is,  and  ever  has 
been  a  rule  with  me,  never  to  suffer  a  man  to  look  for  a 
just  debt  without  receiving  payment; — and  before  I 
left  home  (repeating  it  since)  in  very  strong  terms,  I 
have  directed  Mr.  Pearce  to  settle  with  every  one,  and 
pay  to  the  last  farthing  I  owe;  that  there  may  be  no 
after  claim  when  he  is  gone,  either  upon  his  successor  or 
myself.  I  mention  these  facts  and  circumstances,  to 
show  you  how  inconvenient  it  will  be  for  me  to  comply 
with  your  request. 


196         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Nevertheless,  being  unwilling  to  distress  anyone,  if  it 
be  possible  to  avoid  it,  I  shall  direct  Mr.  Pearce  in  the 
letter.  I  am  about  to  write  to  him,  to  say,  to  ascertain 
the  aggregate  sum  required,  to  pay  the  demands  upon 
him,  on  my  account,  and  if  you  will  give  him  the  most 
&  equivocal  surety  of  paying  it  on,  or  before  the  24th  of 
December  (that  he  may  have  time  between  that  and 
the  first  of  January  to  clear  himself  out ;)  and  will  give 
unquestionably  security  also  that  the  residue  shall  be 
paid  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March. — both  sums 
carrying  interest  from  the  day  they  have  become  due 
until  paid  that  he  may  fix  the  matter  with  you  agree 
ably  thereto.  I  cannot  forbear  aiding,  however,  that  the 
receipt  of  the  whole  sum,  on  the  day  it  becomes  due, 
would  be  infinitely  more  pleasing  to  me.  but  if  this  can 
not  be,  you  are  to  expect  no  favor  from  me  in  case  of  a 
second  disappointment. — 

I  am — Sir, 

Your  Very  Hble.  Servt. 
To  MR.  ALEXR.  SMITH.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

[PHILADELPHIA] Tuesday,  27th.  Deer.,  1796. 

(Private) 
Dear  Sir, 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  your  cold  is  obstinate,  &  your 
indisposition  continues. 

If  it  will  permit  you  to  give  a  little  attention  to  the 
Virginia  address,  to  day,  that  it  may  be  dispatched  by 
the  Post  of  tomorrow,  I  would  thank  you. — 

In  the  moment  I  received  it,  I  sketched  something  by 
way  of  an  anoner,  but  whether  I  have  therein  said  too 
much,  or  too  little  for  the  circumstances  attending  the 
address, — or  whether  those  circumstances  ought  to 
have  the  least  influence  in  the  reply  (notwithstanding 
as  you  will  perceive  by  the  Gazette  enclosed,  &  which  I 
request  may  be  returned,  what  the  temper  of  the  State 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  197 

is  relative  to  the  Administration)  is  problamatical : — 
Therefore,  and  because  you  are  better  acquainted  with 
the  Legislature  of  politics  of  Virginia  than  I  am  I  would 
be  guided  by  your  advice  and  accordingly,  if  your 
health  will  allow  it,  I  should  be  obliged  to  you  for  an 
entire  new  draught  of  an  answer,  on  such  unreserved 
corrections  of  the  one  sent  as  you  may  think  is  per 
fectly  applicable  to  the  case — civil  &  unexceptionable. 
— I  wish  you  better  health  and  am  your  sincere  friend 
and  Affectionate  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

P.  S.     If  you  are  unable  to  attend  to  this  matter, 
pray  send  the  papers  back  by  the  bearer. 
To  ATTY.  GENL.  CHARLES  LEE,  Esqe. 

[PHILADELPHIA]  January  i3th.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

For  want  of  a  Memo,  from  the  Overlooker  of  my 
Carpenters  (which  I  thought  I  had  brought  with  me 
from  Mount  Vernon)  I  am  unable  to  furnish  an  accurate 
Bill  of  the  Plank  &  Scantling  my  purposes  require ; — 
but  as  the  former  of  these  never  comes  amiss  to  me,  I 
would  enage 

5000  feet  of  Inch") 

2500  Do  of  i  £  &    >as  free  as  possible  from  -sap. 
1000  Do  of  i  J      j 

and  should  be  glad  to  know  from  the  person  in  whom 
you  could  most  confide,  whether  upon  receiving  a  Bill 
of  Scantling  &  an  additional  9  ft.  of  Plank,  after  I  re 
turn  home,  I  could  be  supplied  therewith, — delivered 
at  Mount  Vernon,  &  in  how  short  a  time  after  receiving 
the  said  Bill. — With  very  great  esteem  &  regard 
I  am — Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  The  HONBLE.   JOHN  HENRY 


198         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

PHILADELPHIA,  5th.  Feb.,  1797. 
Mr.  Anderson, 

Your  letter  of  the  ist.  instant,  with  the  weekly  re 
ports  are  received. — 

If  all  that  part  of  the  new  road  from  the  causay  to 
the  white  gates  is  completed  and  fit  for  use,  it  has  gone 
on  better  than  I  expected;  and  makes  me  wish  more 
that  the  other  part  was  done ;  that  the  whole  might  be 
fit  for  use  against  my  return,  but  I  do  not  desire  it  to 
be  attempted  to  the  injury  of  more  important  work. — 

When  Davy  is  about  the  fencing  at  Muddy  Hole,  let 
that  part  on  which  the  gate  is  (going  into  the  farm) 
be  continued  in  a  straight  line,  as  it  now  runs,  until  it 
strikes  the  new  road,  and  then  in  a  parallel  line  there 
with,  until  it  joins  the  fence  again  on  the  hill,  before  it 
reaches  the  causay  after  which,  to  run  as  it  now  does  to 
wards  No.  6,  when  over  that  part  of  it  shall  be  repaired. 

The  method  you  propose,  to  get  the  Peas,  from  Mr. 
Lawson  Carter,  is  much  better  than  sending  all  the 
distance  by  land,  in  the  state  the  roads  now  are,  &  will 
be  until  they  are  well  settled  after  frosts  are  entirely 
over. — But  notwithstanding  these  peas  as  promised 
by  that  gentleman,  I  would  not  have  you  be  too  san 
guine  of  the  receipt  of  them,  unless  you  should  receive 
from  him,  positive  assurance  thereof — the  quantity — 
and  when,  and  how  they  are  to  be  obtained. — Of  course, 
it  may  not  be  amiss  to  devise,  in  time,  what  is  to  be 
done  in  case  of  failure. — 

I  consent  to  your  cultivating  in  corn  the  field  at 
Dogue  run  which  is  mentioned  in  your  letter,  and  leave 
the  whole  arrangement,  of  the  crops  at  Union  farm  to 
your  own  judgment,  but  you  have  not  attended  to  the 
quantity  in  that  part  of  Va.  which  lyes  between  the 
meadow,  mill  road  lane  going  into  the  Barn  therefrom, 
if  you  suppose  it  contains  80  acres. — it  will  amount  to 
more  than  50  at  most. — 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  199 

In  clearing  that  piece  of  Mill  swamp  adjoining  the 
road  (and  I  am  glad  you  have  undertaken  it)  do  not 
think  it  too  much  of  single  trees  thereby  stripping  it  of 
both  shade  &  ornament. — I  am  perfectly  satisfied  of  the 
great  quantity  of  ground  I  have,  capable  of  being  con 
verted  into  good  meadow  and  have  wished  always  to  do 
it — but,  these  wishes  (and  being  so  much  from  home) 
have  not  met  the  means  of  accomplishment. 

Grain  harrowed  in,  certainly  looks  better  in  Autumn, 
than  that  which  is  planed ; — but  in  land  which  is  apt 
to  heave  (or  spew  as  it  is  called)  the  moulderings  on  the 
ridges  when  ploughed,  gives,  as  is  supposed,  fresh  earth 
and  nourishment  to  the  roots  and  therefore  is  pre 
ferred  by  many  farmers — experience  only,  in  such 
soils,  can  alone  decide  the  question. — 

I  shall  be  able  to  ascertain  on  good  conjectural 
grounds  what  may  be  expected  for  flour  &  will  let  you 
know  when,  and  at  what  price  to  sell. — In  the  mean 
time  keep  me  advised  of  the  prices  of  that  article  in 
Alexandria. 

As  spades,  shovels,  scythes,  nails,  nail  rods — Iron 
plates  for  the  mould  boards  of  ploughs — Bar  iron  & 
most  other  things  can  be  had  upon  better  terms  here 
than  in  Alexandria — &  as  I  must  engage  a  vassal  to 
carry  my  furniture  round — let  me  know  the  quantity, 
&  sorts  of  each  of  these  articles  that  will  be  wanted — & 
any  others  and  I  will  endeavour  to  provide  them. — 
Do  you  not  want  Riddles  for  gleaning  grain  &ca. — 
How  many  and  of  what  degrees  of  fmess? 

Send  me  the  sizes  of  the  four  rooms  on  the  lower 
floor  (at  Mount  Vernon)  which  open  into  the  passage. 

Have  you  Buck  Wheat  for  Seed?  although  my  at 
tempts,  hitherto,  to  raise  it  as  a  crop,  and  for  a  green 
dressing  have  never  answered  my  expectations,  yet  I 
am  very  willing  it  should  undergo  further  trials. 

I  think  of  nothing  more,  at  present,  necessary  to 


200         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

add — but  wishing  you  well  in  all  your  plans  I  remain 
Your  friend 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  JAMES  ANDERSON. 

PHILADELPHIA,  6th.  Feb.,   1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  3d  of  March  which  is  fast  approaching,  will  put 
an  end  to  my  political  career ;  and  I  shall  have  another 
to  commence  through  mud  &  mire,  to  reach  more 
tranquil  scenes  at  Mount  Vernon. — This  I  shall  do 
without  delay,  or  attempt  it  at  least,  be  the  roads  in 
what  condition,  they  may,  at  that  time. — 

To  enable  me  to  accomplish  this  journey,  with  such 
baggage  as  I  do  not  incline  to  risk  by  water,  I  shall 
want  a  pair  of  strong  horses  that  are  true  &  steady  to 
the  draught  fera  waggon,  lighter  than  a  coachee,  to 
carry  some  trunks  (not  heavy)  at  the  rate  we  shall 
travel,  which  must  be  soon. 

Would  you  oblige  me  so  far  as  to  make  this  purchase, 
and  to  have  the  horses  in  this  City  by  the  first  day  of 
March? — I  should  prefer  Mares,  and  wish  them  to 
match  in  (any)  colour. — They  ought  not  to  exceed  Six, 
or  at  any  rate  seven  years  old  next  spring — nor  ought 
they  to  be  under  fifteen  hands  high. — As  they  will  be 
put  to  the  Plough,  or  Waggon,  after  I  get  them  home. 
I  should  prefer  cheapness  to  appearance ;  &  the  reason 
why  I  mention  Mares  instead  of  Geldings,  is,  that 
Mules  may  be  bred  from  them  afterwards — but  I  must 
take  either. 

Be  so  good  as  to  let  me  know,  without  delay,  whether 
I  can,  or  cannot,  place  certain  dependence  on  you  for 
the  purchase,  &  having  them  here  by  the  time  before 
mentioned. — The  money  shall  be  paid  on  delivery;  or 
if  required,  shall  be  sent  to  you  before ;  for  the  purpose 
of  instant  payment. — 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  201 

I  will  offer  no  apology  for  giving  you  this  trouble,  be 
cause  I  persuade  myself  you  are  disposed  to  serve  me 
in  it. 

With  esteem  I  am — Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

P.  S.   Let  me  request  the  favor  of  you  to  have  the 
steadiness  of  the  horses  to  the  draught  proved,  before 
they  are  sent  here ; — for  to  be  plagued  with  them  on  the 
road  would  be  dreadful — 
To  MR.  MATTHIAS  SLOUGH. 

PHILADELPHIA,  Feb.  7,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  enclosed  is  the  copy  of  a  letter  I  wrote  you  agree 
ably  to  the  date ;  but  as  it  was  to  take  its  chance  from 
the  stage  office,  and  letters  by  private  conveyances  do 
not  always  get  to  their  destination,  I  trouble  you  with 
a  duplicate ;  as  well  on  that  account,  as  because  I  find 
my  journey  home  requires  the  purchase  of  a  third  horse, 
or  Mare,  for  the  draught. — 

This  third  one,  must,  in  every  respect,  be  confor 
mable  to  the  description  of  the  last  one  except  (as  it 
is  to  go  with  three  others  which  I  have)  that  it  ought 
to  be  a  bay,  and  of  somewhat  better  figure. — For  the 
reason  mentioned  in  my  last,  I  should  prefer,  greatly, 
Mares ;  and  if  they  were  to  be  here  before  the  first  of 
March  (that  they  might  be  exercised  together,  &  with 
breast  plates  instead  of  collars)  it  would  be  desirable. — 

At  any  rate  let  me  hear  from  you  as  soon  as  con 
venient  that  I  may  know  what  to  depend  upon. — With 
esteem  &  regard, 

I  am — Dear  Sir — 

Yr.  Obedt.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  MATTHIAS  SLOUGH. 


202         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

PHILADELPHIA,  2 7th  Feb.  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  22d.  inst.  was  delivered  to  me 
yesterday  morning  by  Mr.  Root,  who  also  delivered  the 
Mares  &  horse. — The  latter  being  too  clumsy  about  the 
head  &  legs  to  suit  my  carriage  horses,  and  too  high  in 
price  for  a  common  plough  horse,  I  return  him ;  since, 
as  you  say,  no  inconvenience  will  attend  it. — I  must 
now,  as  I  expect  to  leave  this  in  ten  days,  depend  upon 
purchasing  a  horse,  or  Mare  in  this  City  or  neighbour 
hood. — You  will  please  therefore  to  take  the  price  of  the 
Mares,  and  whatever  incidental  expenses  have  been  in 
curred  in  getting  them  and  the  horse  here,  out  of  the 
Six  hundred  Dollars  sent  you. — I  have  paid  Mr.  Root 
nothing,  as  you  did  not  mention,  in  your  letter,  on 
what  terms  he  was  to  bring  them  down: — whatever 
you  do  in  this  case  will  be  satisfactory  to  me. — 

I  am  very  sensible  of  the  polite  attentions  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  Lancaster,  as  expressed  by  you ;  but  as  I 
am  anxious  to  get  home,  and  shall  have  almost  as  far  to 
it  from  that  Borough  as  from  hence,  and  the  Road  after 
quitting  the  Turn  pike  very  little  better,  I  shall  pursue 
the  most  direct  &  usual  rout  to  obtain  the  end. — For 
the  good  wishes  you  have  expressed  for  me,  on  the 
anniversary  of  my  birth,  I  pray  you  to  accept  the 
best  thanks  of 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  MATTHIAS  SLOUGH. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  1 2th  June  1797 
Dear  Sir, 

If  you  have  had  leisure  to  examine  my  unimproved 
lot  in  Alexa,  more  attentively,  and  have  digested 
any  plan  in  your  own  mind  for  an  advantageous 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  203 

division  of  it,  I  would  thank  you  for  the  result,  as  I 
wish  to  fix  on  a  Plan. 

I  was  informed,  when  in  Town  last,  that  Mr.  Voss 
(I  think  the  name  is)  would  give  i8d.  a  sqr.  yard  for 
the  earth  to  make  bricks — &  that  he  would  not  deface, 
or  injure  the  lot  in  doing  so. — What  is  your  opinion 
on  this  point? — 

Mr.  Anderson  has  engaged  me  in  a  distillery,  on  a 
small  scale,  and  is  very  desirous  of  increasing  it: — 
assuring  me  from  his  own  experience  in  this  country, 
&  in  Europe  that  I  shall  find  my  acct.  in  it;  partic 
ularly  in  the  benefits  my  stock  would  derive  from  it.— 
The  third  is  new  to  me,  in  to  to;  but  in  a  distillery  of 
another  kind  (Molasses)  you  must  have  a  good  general 
knowledge  of  its  profits, — &  whether  a  ready  sale 
of  the  Spirit  is  to  be  calculated  on  from  grain  (prin 
cipally  to  be  raised  on  my  own  farms)  and  the  offal  of 
my  mill.  I  therefore  have  taken  the  liberty  of  asking 
your  opinion  on  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Anderson. — 
Such  a  house  as  he  requires,  except  the  Stiles,  I  could 
provide  at  a  small  expenditure. — 

With  very  great  esteem  &  regard 
I  am — Dear  Sir 
Your  affecte. 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
COLO.  JOHN  FITZGERALD. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  14  June,  1797. 
Revd.  Sir, 

It  is  with  regret  I  find  myself  under  the  necessity  of 
becoming  an  apologist  for  others. 

Until  lately  I  had  no  other  expectation,  or  wish,  than 
that  the  two  misses  (my  nieces  &  cousin  to  each  other) 
were  preparing  for  their  journey  to  &  establishment 
at  Bethlehem. — But  I  am  informed  that  one  of  them 
(Maria  Washington)  on  whose  acct.  the  first  applica- 


204        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

tion  was  made,  is  in  very  declining  health  (in  short 
that  she  is  in  a  consumption)  and  the  before  adjudged 
by  her  Aunt,  with  whom  she  lives,  is  unfit  for  the 
charge  which  had  been  contemplated  and  as  a  principal 
inducement  to  the  other's  (daughter  to  Colo.  Bab) 
going  was  that  they  might  continue  together,  I  have 
been  advised  (both  living  at  a  considerable  distance 
from  me)  that,  under  the  circumstances  I  have  related, 
it  is  not  intended  now,  to  send  either. 

I  hope,  as  it  always  appeared  to  me  that  your  con 
sent  to  admit  these  girls  at  the  time  you  did — the 
School  being  full — was  matter  of  favour,  for  which  I 
felt  the  obligation,  that  no  inconvenience  will  result 
from  the  change  which  has  taken  place. 
With  very  great  esteem  &  respect, 
I  am  Rev.  Sir 

Yr.  Obedt.  &  Obliged  Hble.  Servt. 
G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  Mr.  JACOB  VAN  VLECK. 

MOUNT  VERNON  2$th  June  1797 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  nth.  of  Feb:  and  a  duplicate 
thereof,  have  been  duly  received,  and  I  pray  you  to 
accept  my  best  thanks  for  the  trouble  you  have  had 
in  tracing  to  its  origin,  the  history  of  the  Sword  which 
came  to  my  hands  last  year  in  the  manner  communi 
cated  in  a  former  letter, — As  it  is  more  than  probable 
you  will  have  left  Holland  before  this  letter  can  be 
received  I  shall  give  you  no  further  trouble  in  the  affair 
than  merely  to  inform  you  that  I  have  never  seen, 
or  heard  more  of  Alte  than  the  account  given  of  him 
in  your  letter  of  the  above  mentioned  date. — 

I  am  now,  as  you  supposed  the  case  would  be  when 
you  then  wrote,  seated  under  my  Vine  &  Fig-tree; 
where,  while  I  am  permitted  to  enjoy  the  shade  of  it, 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  205 

my  vows  will  be  continually  offered  for  the  welfare 
&  prosperity  of  our  country ;  and  for  the  support,  ease 
&  honor  of  the  Gentleman  to  whom  the  administration 
and  its  concerns  are  entrusted. — I  have  expressed  to 
him  my  sentiments,  &  wished  that  you  may  be  induced 
to  continue  the  Diplomatic  line ;  and  these  sentiments 
and  wishes,  are  the  result  of  the  general  conviction 
of  its  utility,  as  it  relates  to  the  public  interest. — 

For  the  kind  expression  which  you  have  extended 
to  me,  for  the  approbation  of  those  sentiments  I  have 
the  honor  of  subscribing  to  my  countrymen  unsought 
Valedictory,  I  have  a  grateful  sense.  I  thank  you  for 
communicating  then,  the  approbation  of  good  &  wishes, 
which  is  the  most  pleasing  reason  my  mind  is  suscep 
tible  of,  for  any  service  it  has  been  in  my  power  to 
render  my  Country. 

With  great  truth  &  sincerity,  I  have  the  honor  to  be 
Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obed.  &  Affec. 

G.   WASHINGTON, 
JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS,  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  26th.  June,  1797. 
Sir, 

From  the  good  report  I  have  had  of  your  improved 
threshing  machine,  I  am  desirous  of  getting  one  or  two 
of  them  erected,  and  as  expediously  as  possible. — 

The  Scaneling  for  two,  upon  the  Plan  of  Mr.  Jeffer 
son  &  others,  of  the  Scotch  machine,  had  been  got  be 
fore  I  received  the  account  of  yours ;  and  may,  I  pre 
sume,  be  appropriated  to  the  latter.  The  purpose 
therefrom  of  this  letter,  is  to  know  if  you  would  under 
take  to  erect  mine, — so,  if  your  other  engagements 
should  prevent  your  personal  attendance,  whether  a 
person  in  whose  knowledge  &  skill  in  the  matter,  you 
cd.  place  entire  confidence,  could  be  sent; — or,  lastly 


2o6         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

whether  you  could  spare  time  to  make  me  a  visit  for  the 
purpose  of  directing  my  own  Carpenters  (six  or  7  in 
number,  &  some  of  them  competent  to  follow  any  di 
rection)  to  proceed  to  the  execution,  and  for  which  die 
compensation  would  be  made  you. 

I  must  beg  the  favour  of  a  speedy  answer  (by  Post  to 
Alexandria)  that  I  may  know  what  I  have  to  rely  on ; 
for  if  I  cannot  have  them  erected  upon  your  plan  in  a 
short  time,  I  shall  proceed  upon  the  one  I  had  at  first 
contemplated,  so  desirous  am  I  of  getting  my  Wheat 
out  early. — 

I  am — Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  WILLIAM  BOOKER. 

MOUNT  VERNON,   26th  June,  179 7. 
Dear  Sir, 

When  you  informed  me  that  Mr.  Booker  was  erect 
ing  a  threshing  machine  for  one  Gentleman  in  your 
neighbourhood,  I  expressed  a  wish  that  he  would  come 
hither,  but  intended  before  we  parted  to  have  been  more 
pointed  in  my  request  on  this  head,  but  your  trip  to  the 
Federal  City  and  early  departure  the  morning  after 
you  returned,  were  the  occasions  of  my  forgetting  to 
do  so. — 

Let  me  now  ask  the  favour  of  you,  if  Mr.  Booker  is  at 
the  place  you  supposed  he  would  be,  to  endeavour  to 
engage  him  to  proceed  (and  at  as  early  a  moment  as  he 
can  make  it  convenient)  to  this  place ;  if  it  was  only  for 
the  purpose  of  directing  my  people,  if  he  could  not  him 
self  remain  to  see  the  execution,  how  to  proceed; — 
The  cantling  for  one  of  the  Scotch  machines  being  al 
ready  prepared,  wants  only  a  director  to  make  the  al 
terations,  "  put  it  together.  — For  his  time,  and  trouble 
he  shall  be  paid. — At  any  rate,  if  this  letter  should  get 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  207 

to  your  hands,  let  me  know  what  dependence  I  can  have 
on  Mr.  Booker. — 

I  have  discovered  many  of  the  Hassian  flies  in  my 
Wheat  since  you  left  this;  but  their  attack  of  it  was 
made  too  late  to  do  it  much  injury ;  but  as  they  may  be 
considered  as  the  harbingers  of  those  that  are  to  come, 
I  am  under  considerable  apprehensions  from  this  threat 
ened  calamity. — I  began  my  Wheat  on  Thursday  last, 
and  find  the  growth  good,  however  short  the  crop 
may  be. — 

Present  our  love  to  Mrs.  Carter  and  be  assured  of  the 
great  esteem  &  affectionate  regard  of 
Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedient  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  CHARLES  CARTER,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  26th  June,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Until  last  week,  I  had  no  suspicion  that  the  Hassian 
fly  was  among  my  Wheat,  but  upon  examination  I 
found  there  were  many. — They  have  come  too  late 
this  year,  however,  to  do  me  much  damage;  but  as  I 
view  them  as  the  harbingers  of  those  who  will  visit  me 
next  year,  I  would  guard,  as  far  as  it  may  be  in  my 
power,  against  the  threatened  evil. — 

Permit  me  therefore  to  ask,  if  from  your  own  ex 
perience,  or  from  that  of  others  on  what  you  can  rely 
it  is  ascertained  whether  Rye  or  Barley  (Winter  or 
Summer)  is  liable  to  this  calamity? — In  the  country 
above  me,  the  Wheat,  I  am  informed,  entirely  de 
stroyed  (in  places)  by  this  fly  and  from  the  appearances 
of  them  among  mine  it  is  but  too  probable  it  would  be 
the  case  with  mine  next  year,  if  I  do  not  substitute 
other  grain  in  its  place. — But  what  grain  is  the  impor 
tant  question?  Are  oats  affected  by  these  flies? 


208         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Where  this  calamity  has  not  visited  the  Wheat  the 
grain  is  remarkably  fine,  and  the  quality  not  to  be  heard 
of. — Present  me,  if  you  will  do  it  in  respectful  terms  to 
Mrs.  Peters  thereto  with  the  compliments  of  Mrs.  Wash 
ington. — With  great  esteem  &  regard  I  am — Sir 
Your  Affectione.  &  Hble.  Servant, 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  RICHD.  PETERS,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  July  2,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  been  in  continual  expectation  of  hearing  that 
Colo.  Shreve  had  deposited  the  amount  of  his  second 
instalment  in  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania,  agreeably  to 
contract ;  but  as  a  month  has  elasped  since  it  ought  to 
have  been  done  and  no  account  of  a  payment  there — 
and  as  it  has  been  usual  with  him  to  offer  these  in 
driblets — by  anybody — at  any  time — &  in  any  manner 
— regardless  of  his  obligation  thereby  depriving  me  of 
the  advantage  of  counting  upon  the  money  at  the 
period  when  it  becomes  due  which  was  a  principal  in 
ducement  to  the  sale  I  have  enclosed  you  his  Bond 
with  a  request  that  would  put  it  suit,  or  take  such 
other  measures  to  obtain  payment  at  his  cost  as  you 
shall  deem  expedient. — Below  is  the  sums  which  have 
actually  been  reed.  The  Instalments. — My  best  re 
spects  are  presented  to  Mrs.  Ross,  &  with  very  great 
esteem  &  regard — I  am  always, 
Dr.  Sir 

Yr.  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  the  HON.  JAS.  Ross,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON  3d  July  1797 
Dear  Sir 

Not  believing  that  Congress  would  adjourn  so  soon 
as  some  expected ; — and  hoping  that  Colo.  Shrave  would 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  209 

not  lay  me  under  the  necessity  of  putting  his  Judgment 
Bond  in  suit,  I  have  forborne  until  now,  to  send  it  to 
Mr.  Ross  for  that  purpose. — But  as  I  believe  he  is  one 
of  that  description  of  men  who  have  very  little  idea 
of  punctuality ; — and  as  my  wants  require  all  my  re 
sources,  I  have  now  forwarded  it  tinder  cover  to  you  :— 
but  request  that  you  would  be  so  good  before  the  letter 
which  encloses  it  is  handed  to  Mr.  Ross,  to  enquire  at 
the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  if  Shreve,  or  anyone  in  his 
behalf,  has  deposited  therein  for  my  use  the  sum  of 
about  two  thousand  dollars. — In  case  this  is  done,  I 
pray  you  to  return  to  me  my  letter  to  Mr.  Ross. — If 
there  be  no  deposit,  then  to  give,  or  send  it  to  that 
Gentleman  by  a  safe  conveyance. — 

By  the  public  Gazettes,  two  things  seem  to  be  cer 
tain  : — Preliminaries  between  France  &  Austria  of  Peace, 
and  a  dangerous  Crisis  in  England. — A  third  however 
is  necessary  to  give  tranquility  to  this  country,  and  that 
is  actual  Peace  between  the  latter  &  France.  Whether 
that  would  produce  harmony  is  at  least  problematical, 
for  I  am  sure  the  views  of  some  among  us  would  not 
be  promoted  by  such  an  event. 

The  letter  for  Colo.  Biddle  I  would  thank  you  for 
sending  to  him — present  me,  &  the  family  to  Mrs. 
Wolcott, — and  be  assured  always  of  the  esteem  & 
friendship  of 

Your  affectionate 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
OLIVER  WOLCOTT.  JR.  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON  7th  July  1797 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  ist,  instant  was  brought  to  me  by 
the  last  post. — 

The  Journals  of  the  ist.  2nd.  &  3rd  Sessions  of  the 
first  Congress,  I  have,  &  no  later. — These  are  in  folio — 


210         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

one  volume  of  the  Senate,  and  another  of  the  House 
of  Representatives.— If  no  complete  set  can  be  had, 
either  in  folio  or  octavo,  it  would  be  useless  to  obtain  a 
copy  of  what  I  now  possess ;  but  if  they  are  to  be  con 
tinued  in  the  latter,  and  an  entire  set  could  be  had  of 
that  size,  it  would  be  preferred  on  account  of  uni 
formity. — 

Please  to  accompany  the  copying  press  with  the 
account  of  cost,  &  the  amt.  shall  be  transmitted  in 
Banknotes. — 

With  great  esteem  &  regard  I  remain — Dear  Sir 
Your  Obedient  &  Affecte.  Servt. 
G.    WASHINGTON. 
COLO.  TIMOTHY  PICKERING. — 


MOUNT  VERNON,  7th  July,  1797. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  3d  instant  from  Richmond  was 
reed,  by  the  last  Post,  and  I  embrace  tomorrow's  mail, 
the  first  since  its  arrival,  to  thank  you  for  your  atten 
tion  to  my  request; — to  inform  you  that  I  shall  be  much 
pleased  to  see  you  here  between  the  2oth  &  27th 
according  to  promise; — and  that  the  scantling  got  for 
the  old  shall  either  be  accommodated  to  the  new  thrash 
ing  machine,  or  other  provided  by  the  time  above 
mentioned: — and  will  have  the  Iron,  and  everything 
else  ready  to  avoid  delay  which  cannot  well  happen  as 
I  have  half  a  dozn.  Carpenters,  &  blacksmiths  of  my 
own. — 

Should  anything  happen  (wch.  I  hope  will  not)  to 
prevent  you  from  being  here  at  the  appointed  time,  be 
so  good  as  to  inform. — 

Yr.  Most  Obedt.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  WILLM.  BOOKER. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  211 

MOUNT  VERNON,  loth.  July,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

By  the  last  Post  I  was  honoured  with  your  obser 
vations  "on  the  disputes  between  the  United  States 
and  France"  and  for  your  polite  attention  in  sending 
them  to  me  I  pray  you  to  accept  my  best  acknowledg 
ments. — 

Being  on  the  point  of  celebrating  Harvest  home,  I 
must  be  allowed,  as  a  Farmer,  to  make  every  other 
matter  yield  to  the  accomplishment  thereof, — that 
being  over,  the  Pamphlet,  I  am  persuaded,  will  be  read 
with  edification  and  pleasure  by 
Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

To  ROBT.   GOODLEE  HARPER,   Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON  nth  July  1797. 
Sir, 

Inclosed  you  will  receive  a  copy  of  the  courses  and 
distances  of  my  tract  of  7276  acres  of  Land  on  the 
Great  Kanhawa,  adjoining  Poketallico  Creek. 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  giving  me  the  offer  of  2000 
acres  of  your  land  in  that  quarter,  but  my  own  want  of 
money  induced  me  to  sell  two  tracts  of  near  5000  acres 
in  the  Counties  of  Washington  and  Fayette  in  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania  for  much  less  than  the  real  value 
of  them. — but 

If  you  are  going  to  the  Kanhawa,  and  it  should 
fall  readily  in  your  way  of  do  it,  I  would  thank  you  for 
information,  when  you  return,  of  the  situation,  or  rather 
circumstances,  under  which  my  lands  on  that  River 
are,  for  I  am  totally  in  the  dark  respecting  them. 
I  am-Sir-Yr.  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  JNO.  W.  BRONAUGH. 


212         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  15  July,  1797. 
Sir, 

Since  my  last  to  you,  dated  in  Philadelphia  the  6th. 
of  March,  I  have  been  honoured  with  yours  and  Lord 
Hawkes  joint  favour  of  the  28th.  of  March  1796  in 
troductory  of  Doctr.  Scandella;  who  gave  me  the 
pleasure  of  his  company  in  June  last,  and  whom  I 
found  a  very  sensible,  and  well  informed  man. — 

I  have  also  received  your  separate  favours  of  the  2d. 
of  February  and  29th.  of  March,  in  the  present  year: 
The  last  accompanying  your  printed  account  of  the 
origin  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture  and  its  progress  for 
the  three  years  after  its  establishment. — For  your 
kindness  in  forwarding  of  them,  I  pray  you  to  accept 
my  best  thanks. — 

I  will  keep  one  copy  of  this  work  myself,  and  shall 
read  it,  I  am  sure  with  pleasure,  so  soon  as  I  have 
passed  through  my  harvest,  which  is  now  nearly  fin 
ished  ; — the  other  copies  shall  be  put  into  such  hands  as 
I  conceive  will  turn  them  to  the  best  account. 

Your  not  having,  in  either  of  the  letters  acknow 
ledged  above,  mentioned  the  receipt  of  two  from  me, 
dated  the  loth.  &  nth.  of  Deer.  1796, — the  last  a 
private  and  very  long  one,  fills  my  mind  with  appre 
hension  of  a  miscarriage,  although  I  do  not  see  how  it 
should  have  happened,  as  they  went  with  several  other 
letters  under  cover  to  Mr.  King  (our  Minister  in  Lon 
don)  who  in  a  letter  to  me,  dated  the  6th.  of  February 
following  after  giving  information  of  what  he  had  done 
with  my  other  letters,  adds  "and  as  soon  as  Sir  John 
Sinclair  returns  to  town  I  will  also  deliver  the  letter  ad 
dressed  to  him. " — 

Was  it  not  for  this  information  I  should,  by  this  con 
veyance,  have  forwarded  a  duplicate. — 

The  result  of  my  enquiries  of  Members  of  Congress 
attending  the  December  Session,  varied  so  little  from 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  213 

the  details  I  had  the  honour  to  give  you  concerning  the 
prices  of  land  as  in  my  private  letter  of  the  nth.  of 
December  as  to  render  a  second  edition  unnecessary.  — 
The  reduction  however,  in  the  price  of  our  produce 
since  last  year,  (flour  having  fallen  from  fifteen  to 
Seven  or  eight  dollars  a  barrel,  and  other  articles  in 
that  proportion)  may  occasion  a  fall  in  the  price  of 
Lands.  —  A  stagnation  it  has  already  produced  —  and 
I  have  been  told  a  reduction  also,  in  some  of  the  latter 
sales.  — 

Our  crop  of  Wheat  this  year  from  the  best  infor 
mation  I  have  been  able  to  obtain,  will  be  found  very 
short,  owing  to  three  causes;  —  an  uncommon  drought 
last  autumn,  —  a  severe  winter  with  but  little  snow  to 
protect  it,  —  and,  which  is  a  little  more  to  be  regretted,  — 
to  what  with  us  is  denominated  the  Hessian  fly  which 
has  spread  devastation,  more  or  less  in  all  quarters  nor 
has  the  latter  Wheat  escaped  the  rust.  —  The  grain, 
however,  except  where  the  Rust  appeared  before  it  was 
hard  is  extremely  fine.  —  We  are  equally  unlucky  in  our 
Oats,  occasioned  by  a  severe  drought  since  the  month  of 
April. 

With  sentiments  of  high  esteem  and  regard,  I  have 
the  honor  to  be  Sir, 

Yr.  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant 
To  SIR  JOHN  SINCLAIR  G.  WASHINGTON. 


MOUNT  VERNON,  lyth.  July,  1797. 
Sir, 

My  Overseers  at  Union  and  Dogue  run  Farms  are 
endeavouring  to  play  the  same  game  they  did  last 
year  —  that  is  to  raise  their  wages  ;  but  as  I  am  fully  re 
solved  that  to  do  it  (especially  as  the  price  of  produce  is 
reduced  a  hundred  pr.  ct.)  I  am  induced  to  ask  you  — 
as  Clark  who  engaged  with  Mr.  Craik  is  dead,  &  ex 
pectation  from  that  quarter  is  at  an  end  if  you  could 


2i4         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

recommend  a  person  whom  you  know  would  suit  me, 
for  Union  farm? 

It  is  not  impossible  but  that  I  may  reduce  the  hands 
at  Union  farm  &  place  it  and  Dogue  run  Farm  under 
the  same  Over  par, — but  since  in  this  case,  I  will  not 
give  more  than  Sixty  pounds  wages,  with  the  usual  al 
lowances  of  Provisions. — 

I  shall  insist  upon  a  Dairies  being  attended  to  by  the 
Overseers  wife  and  that  Fowls  shall  be  raised  for  my 
Table: — And  that  nothing  sold  from  the  Farms  for 
their  benefit,  as  the  wages  with  the  allowances  of  Pro 
visions  is  all  the  man  &  his  wife  have  to  expect. 

I  would  thank  you  for  acknowledging  the  receipt  of 
this  letter  by  the  Post  as  soon  as  it  gets  to  hand,  that  I 
may  be  certain  of  its  safe  arrival: — and  as  soon  after 
as  possible,  let  me  know  (without  absolutely  engaging 
any  one)  what  dependence  I  could  place  on  you  getting 
a  good  man ;  with,  or  without  a  wife,  but  not  too  large 
a  family. — It  is  necessary  I  should  hear  from  you  soon 
on  this  subject,  as  some  are  offering,  &  the  season  for 
engaging  good  overseers  is  at  hand. — 

I  hope  to  hear  your  health  is  restores  to  you,  and 
that  your  crops  have  been,  and  are  likely  to  be  good. 
My  crop  of  Wheat  is  as  good  as  I  had  any  reason  to  ex 
pect,  but  the  Hassian  fly  began  just  before  harvest  to 
cut  it  down. — Next  year  I  expect  their  attack  will  be 
formidable  &  severe. — Could  we  base  dependence  on 
purchasing  three  or  4  hundred  bushels  of  Rye  in  your 
neighbourhood  and  at  what  price? — 

I  wish  you  &  family  well  and  am  your  friend 
&  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

P.  S.     The  drought  is,  and  has  been  extremely  se 
vere  upon  us. — Corn  not  half  leg  high.     What  will  be 
the  outcome  if  cut? 
To  MR.  WILLIAM  PEARCE. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  215 

MOUNT  VERNON  2ist  July  1797 
Dear  Sir, 

I  again  take  the  liberty  of  requesting  that  the  letters 
herewith  sent  may  accompany  your  dispatches  to  Mr. 
King — who  I  also  hope  will  have  the  goodness  to  excuse 
the  trouble  I  give  him  in  this  business,  to  insure  the 
safety  of  the  dispatches. 

I  hope  I  shall  not  have  occasion  to  give  either  of  you 
much  more  trouble  in  this  way,  as  correspondencies  of 
this  sort  were  not  of  my  seeking,  and  I  have  no  dis 
position  to  keep  them  up,  except  with  Sir  John  Sinclair 
(President  of  the  National  Board  of  Agriculture)  on 
Agricultural  sub j  ects . — 

One  of  the  last  productions  of  this  Gentleman  I 
transmit  to  you,  with  a  request  that  if  the  Plan  of 
establishing  a  similar  Board  in  these  United  States 
should  be  re-entered  upon  at  the  next  Session  of  Con 
gress,  you  would  be  kind  enough  to  lay  it  before  the 
Committee  which  may  be  appointed  for  the  purpose 
of  preparing  that  business. — I  am  always  your  Obedt. 
&  Affecte. 

Servt. 

G.    WASHINGTON. 
COLO.  TIMOTHY  PICKERING. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  23d.  July,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Receive  my  thanks  for  the  information  given  in 
your  letter  of  the  3d.  of  July,  and  for  the  offer  you 
have  obligingly  made,  of  procuring  for  me,  seed  of  the 
Yellow  bearded  wheat. — 

Influenced  by  the  opinion  which  prevailed  some 
years  since  that  that  kind  of  Wheat  would  resist  the 
Hassian  fly  I  then  procured  seed  of  it,  &  have  kept  my 
self  in  stock  ever  since,  to  make  use  of  it  upon  a  larger 
scale,  if  occasion  shd.  render  it  necessary.  And  so 


216         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

well  persuaded  as  I  am  that  the  attack  of  this  insect 
will  be  severe  next  year,  I  shall  reduce  considerately, 
my  seeding  of  Wheat  the  coming  Autumn ;  and  fill  the 
deficiency  with  Rye,  principally. — Of  Wheat,  however, 
I  shall  sow  three  kinds : — the  early,  or  May  wheat,  as  it 
is  called  here,  in  a  small  proportion — and  the  residue  of 
the  Yellow  bearded,  and  a  very  fine  white  (also  Wheat 
which  I  obtained  last  Fall  from  the  mountains. 

Soon  after  I  wrote  you  last  the  Rust  seized  my 
Wheat,  straw  and  a  good  deal  injured  the  latter  grain. 
And  a  severe  drought  which  we  have  laboured  under 
since  April,  until  this  day  week,  has  rendered  our  crop 
of  Oats  extremely  short  &  rendered  our  meadows 
scarcely  worth  cutting  and  till  now,  by  a  second  fine 
rain  yesterday,  left  no  little  hope  of  making  Indian 
Corn. — 

Present  me  &  Mrs.  Washington  in  affectionate  terms 
to  Mrs.  Peters,  and  be  assured  of  the  sincere  esteem  & 
regards 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedient  &  Hble  Servt 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  RICHARD  PETERS,  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON  31  July  1797 
Dear  Sir, 

I  did  not  expect  that  I  should  have  had  occasion 
to  trouble  you  again  relative  to  my  administration  of 
the  estate  of  Colo.  Thomas  Colvill. — But  the  Gentleman 
who  instituted  the  suit  in  the  Chancery  Court  of  this 
State  informs  me  that  it  is  indispensable  that  an 
affidavit  of  the  Decree's  having  been  published  two 
months  successively  in  an  English  paper  (as  appears 
prima  facia  to  be  required)  should  be  returned — and 
he  wishes  much  to  possess  the  same  by  the  next  term, 
in  March,  early. — 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  217 

Taking  it  for  granted  that  the  Decree  has  been  pub 
lished  two  months  successively,  I  presume  and  hope 
there  can  be  no  difficulty  in  having  it  testified  by  the 
Editor  of  the  paper  in  which  it  was  inserted,  and  for 
warded  to  me  by  duplicate. 

Excuse  me,  I  pray  you,  for  giving  you  this  trouble, 
and  be  assured  always  of  the  high  esteem  and  great 
regard  of 

Dear  Sir— Your  obliged  &  Obed.  Servt. 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
RUFUS  KING,  Esq. 


MOUNT  VERNON  7th  August  1797 
Sir, 

I  know  nothing  of  the  Bond  of  which  you  speak  in 
your  letter  of  the  4th.  instant. — If  any  such  is  in  my 
possession  unsettled  (of  which  by  the  bye)  I  do  not 
believe;  it  must,  by  frequent  shiftings  and  removals, 
have  got  so  out  of  place  as  to  render  it  impracticable 
for  me  to  find,  as  there  is  no  such  bond  where  it  ought 
to  be,  if  I  had  it. — By  my  books,  I  find  the  account  of 
Mr.  Kirk  thus  stated 

Dr.  To  balance  of  yr  acct.  on  my  Mill. Book  £58.  7.10^ 
Cr.  Settled  by  the  assignment  of  a  Bond  of 

Magee's  58.  7.  loj 

So  far  as  my  memory  serves  me,  the  Bond  was  inade 
quate  to  discharge  the  above  bale,  with  interest  due 
thereon, — but  as  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  get  any 
thing,  and  this  was  likely  to  be  the  whole,  it  was  taken 
&  reed,  as  discharge,  &  the  Bond  given  up: — for  the 
name  of  Magee  is  not  to  be  found  in  my  Book  of  %. — I 
am  Sir 

Yr.    Hble.    Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  ARCHD  MCLEAN. 


218         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  nth.  Aug.  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favours  of  the  2oth.  ult.  and  7th  instant  have 
both  been  received — the  last  yesterday. — 

If  nothing  happens  to  prevent  it,  I  will  dispatch  a 
light  cart  (not  being  disposed  to  lead  the  calf  the  whole 
distance  this  warm  weather  for  Mr.  Lloyds  present, 
and  two  or  three  sheep  from  Mr.  Gough  if  he  has  of  the 
sort  I  want,  to  dispose  of. — The  cart  will  leave  this  on 
Monday,  and  probably  be  at  Baltimore  on  Tuesday. — 

In  the  meantime,  if  you  should  perchance  see  Mr. 
Gough  you  would  do  me  a  favour  to  ask  if  he  has  of  the 
cape  sheep  kind  one  of  which  he  would  recommend  for 
trading  not  the  broad  tail  sherp  is  the  kind  I  want — 
if  he  has  a  ram,  and  one  or  two  ewe  Lambs  of  his  best  I 
would  take,  at  his  own  price — If  he  has  none  my  cart 
would  have  no  occasion  to  proceed  there. 

For  your  kind  attention  to  my  late  request  I  pray 
you  to  accept  my  thanks — and  with  great  esteem  & 
regard — I  am  Dr.  Sir 

Yr.  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  NATHL.  RAMSAY,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i3th.  Aug.,  1797. 
Sir, 

Having  occasion  to  send  a  light  carriage  to  Balti 
more,  I  have  directed  the  person  (Mr.  Jno.  Anderson  of 
my  Manager)  who  has  charge  of  it,  to  call  upon  you  & 
get  a  ram,  and  two  ewe  lambs  of  the  Cape  (broad  tail) 
sharp  if  you  have  any  to  dispose  of,  &  such  as  you  would 
recommend  for  breeding. — 

I  want  them  on  account  of  the  mutton,  and  if  the 
ram  was  of  the  size  &  age  to  serve  a  score  or  more  ewes 
this  season,  it  would  be  desirable. — If  Mr.  Anderson 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  219 

succeeds  in  his  application  for  these  sheep,  the  cost  of 
them  shall  be  paid  to  your  order  on  demand. 
I  am  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedient  and  Very  Hble.  Servant, 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  HENRY  D.  GOUGH,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i3th  Augt.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir: 

The  bearer,  Mr.  Jno.  Anderson,  son  of  my  Manager, 
(with  a  light  carriage)  is  sent  for  the  calf  from  the 
Eastern  Shore,  and  the  sheep  mentioned  in  my  last, 
if  Mr.  Gough  has  them  to  spare. — If  you  have  not  seen 
that  Gentleman,  and  learnt  that  Anderson's  going  to 
him  would  be  fruitless,  he  is  directed  to  proceed  with 
the  letter  of  which  he  is  possessed  for  Mr.  Gough. — 

I  would  thank  you  for  causing  the  enclosed  adver 
tisement  to  be  inserted  three  times  with  the  interval  of 
a  week  between  each  the  expence  of  which  I  will  pay 
the  Printer  as  soon  as  it  is  made  known  to  me. — Mrs. 
Washington  is  greatly  distressed  &  fatigued  from  the 
want  of  such  a  character  as  I  am  inviting. — 

Does  the  Baltimore  Telegraph  come  under  the  de 
scription  of  a  Democratic  or  Repub.  ? — or  what  is  its 
character  &  reputn. 

With  great  esteem — I  remain 

Dr.  Sir— Yr.  Obedt.  Servt. 
To  COLO.  NATHANIEL  RAMSEY.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i4th,  Augt.,  1797. 
Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  i7th  ulto.  came  safe,  but  a  good 
while  after  date. — For  the  sermons  you  had  the  good 
ness  to  send  me  1  pray  you  to  accept  my  thanks. — The 
doctrine  in  them  is  sound,  and  does  credit  to  the 
author. — 


220         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

It  does,  indeed,  give  me  pleasure  to  have  such  sen 
timents  as  Mr.  Curtis  has  expressed  to  you,  transmit 
ted  to  me ;  and  it  would  render  him  and  all  his  friends 
an  acceptable  service  if  in  your  letters  to  him  you  would 
endeavor  to  stimulate  his  pride — to  impress  upon  his 
mind  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  education  and 
the  wishes  of  his  friends  that  he  may  turn  out  a  finished 
scholar — and  finally  that  this  is  no  otherwise  to  be 
accomplished  than  by  close  application  and  a  contin 
uation  at  college. — 

To  overcome  an  indolent  temper, — amusements  at 
present  innocent  but  unprofitable  and  to  excite  him  to 
exert  the  talent  which  he  possesses — constitute  the 
difficulty  at  present. — By  &  by,  perhaps,  bad  example, 
or  the  advice  of  dissipated  young  men,  may  increase  it 
considerably. — He  has,  I  know,  a  friendship  and  re 
gard  for  you,  and  I  am  persuaded  your  opinion  on  these 
topics  would  have  a  happy  effect. — With  esteem  &  re 
gard, 

I  am  Sir 
Your  Most  Obedt.   Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  The  REVD.  MR.  ZACHARIAH  LEWIS. 

MOUNT  VERNON  i4th.  August  1797 
Dear  Sir, 

Not  having  anything  to  communicate  of  sufficient 
moment  to  give  you  the  trouble  of  receiving  a  letter 
from  me,  I  have  delayed  until  now  to  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  your  favors  of  the  loth.  &  25th.  Ulto. — 

When  I  left  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Lear  and  Mr.  Dan- 
dridge  who  remained,  were  directed  to  dispose  of  my 
Household  furniture  (such  parts  I  mean  as  were  not 
packed  for  a  removal  to  this  place)  but  from  some 
misapprehension  the  ornaments  of  my  dining  Table, 
&  some  Plated  bottle  Coolers,  were  not  disposed  of  as 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  221 

was  expected,  but  left  in  the  care  of  Mr.  McHenry 
(Secretary  of  War)  subject  to  future  orders,  when  they 
came  away. — 

I  have  now  to  request  that  you  will  receive  these 
from  him,  and  if  you  can,  to  dispose  of  them  (one  of 
the  Coolers  excepted,  concerning  which  I  will  write 
to  you  sometime  hence)  on  the  best  terms  you  can. — It 
is  not  probable  that  any  one,  unless  the  Presidt.  or 
any  of  the  foreign  Ministers  should  be  so  disposed, 
would  take  the  whole  of  course  to  retail  them,  would 
be  the  most  likely  means  of  getting  them  off. 

The  articles  you  will  receive,  if  I  mistake  not,  will 
consist  of  two  four  bottle  coolers. — A  Platteau  in  nine 
pieces. — three  large  groups  with  glasses  over  them,  two 
vases,  and  twelve  small  single  figures  of  Porcelain. 

The  Invoice  of  the  Platteaux  I  am  unable,  at  present, 
to  come  at,  but  that  of  the  figures  is  enclosed,  as  is  the 
one  which  contains  the  cost  of  the  Coolers  which  were 
never  used — there  being  four,  originally,  and  two 
were  quite  sufficient  to  answer  my  purposes. — I  do  not 
expect,  notwithstanding  they  are  new,  that  the  one 
offered  for  Sale  will  fetch  the  cost,  and  the  other  things, 
I  am  certain  will  fall  much  below  it,  as  they  have  not 
only  been  used,  but  the  Porcelain  in  some  of  its  nicest 
parts,  is  injured; — although  I  have  not  been  able  to 
find  the  cost  of  the  Platteaux,  I  have  a  memorandum 
which  informs  me  that  they  stand  me  in  486  Livres 
in  Paris  exclusive  of  all  the  subsequent  charges  of 
transportation  from  thence  to  Havre,  original  insur 
ance,  duty  to  the  United  States. 

I  send  the  Invoices  for  the  satisfaction  of  yourself, 
and  my  wife  may  be  inclined  to  purchase. — when  this 
purpose  is  answered  they  may  be  returned  to  me. — 

Will  you  be  so  good  as  to  ask  Mr.  Dobson  if  there 
are  no  more  Volumes  of  the  American  Edition  of  the 
Encyclopaedia  out: — the  i6th.  is  the  last  I  have  re- 


222         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

ceived, — and  inform  him  at  the  same  time  that  it  is 
my  wish  that  my  second  sett  (for  I  subscribed  for  two 
setts  to  encourage  his  undertaking  the  work)  be  neatly 
bound  and  sent  to  me,  having  given  away  the  sett  in 
boards. 

With  esteem  &  regard — I  am 
Yr.  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
COLO.  (CLEMENT)  BIDDLE. 

MOUNT  VERNON  i4th.  Augt.  1797 
Dear  Sir, 

It  is  a  little  out  of  time,  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  letter  of  the  gth.  ulto. ; — but  better  late  than 
never: — and  one  object  in  doing  it,  is  to  pray  you  to 
thank  Mr.  Bordly  in  my  name,  for  the  work  he  had 
the  goodness  to  send  me,  through  the  channel  of  your 
conveyance . — 

I  presume  the  affair  of  Mr.  Bloust  will  lye  dormant 
until  the  Committee  of  Congress  make  report  at  the 
ensuing  Session. — It  will  be  to  be  regretted,  much,  if 
this  business  is  not  probed  to  the  bottom.  That 
Government  may  not  sleep  and  be  forgotten  in  the 
meantime.  I  perceive  Mr.  Morse  has  opened  a  Battery 
against  it,  but  if  his  subsequent  fire  does  no  more  in 
jury  than  the  first,  his  artillery  will  recoil  upon  him 
self. 

It  had  escaped  me,  until  reminded  by  a  re-perusal 
of  your  first  letters,  that  my  Table  ornaments  &  Coolers 
were  in  your  possession.  Not  for  the  value  of  the 
thing,  but  as  a  token  of  my  friendship,  and  as  a  remem 
brance  of  it,  I  ask  you,  Colonel  Pickering  &  Mr.  Wolcott 
to  accept  each  one  of  the  two*  bottle  coolers — the  other 
articles  I  pray  you  to  have  carefully  packed  (the  por 
celain  in  fine  sawdust)  and  sent  to  Colo.  Biddle,  who 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  223 

will  be  directed  what  to  do  with  them — &  will  pay  the 
cost  of  packing. 

What  is  the  character  of  Porcupine's  Gazette? — I 
had  thought  when  I  left  Philadelphia  of  ordering  it  to 
be  sent  to  me ; — then  again  I  thought  it  best  not  to  do  it, 
and  altho'  I  should  like  to  see  both  his  &  Bache's 
The  Aurora,  the  latter  may,  under  all  circumstances, 
be  the  best  decision,  I  mean  not  subscribing  to  either 
of  them. — 

Mrs.  Washington  &  Miss  Custis  thanks  you  for  your 
kind  remembrance  of  them,  and  join  with  me  in  best 
regards  for  Mrs.  McHenry  and  yourself  and  family. — 
With  much  truth  I  am 

Your  sincere  friend  and 

affectionate  Servant 
G.   WASHINGTON. 

P.  S.  I  shall  rely  on  you  to  present  the  Coolers  in 
my  name  to  the  Gentlemen  above  named. 

*I  think  there  are  three  of  them. 
JAMES  McHENRY,  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  20  Augt.,  1797. 
Sir, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  22d.  of  May  last, 
from  Belfast ;  and  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  give 
you  a  more  satisfactory  statement  of  the  deed.  Mrs. 
Savage's  affairs  in  this  country  than  I  am  about  to 
detail. — 

True  it  is  I  was  one  of  that  unfortunate  lady's  trus 
tees, — and  as  true,  that  while  I  was  in  a  situation  to 
render  her  any  services  I  performed  them  (jointly  with 
the  other  trustee)  as  far,  and  as  fast  as  the  tedious 
delays  of  our  Courts  would  suffer  justice  to  be  admin 
istered. — 

But  from  the  year  1774  until  the  beginning  of  the 
year  1784,  it  was  not  in  my  power  to  attend  to  hers,  or 


224         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

any  private  concern  of  my  own  being  absent  from  this 
State  (Virginia)  eight  years  of  the  time;  during  the 
whole  of  which,  and  for  sometime  after,  I  believe  there 
was  a  suspension  of  all  law,  and  all  justice,  except  such 
as  proceeded  from  a  sense  of  honour,  the  last  of  which 
was  no  trait  in  the  character  of  Doctr.  Savage,  husband 
of  the  Lady,  for  of  all  ingrates  he  was  the  most  ungrate 
ful.— 

While  alive,  and  the  Courts  were  open,  he  had  re 
course  to  all  the  chicanery  of  Law,  and  all  the  subter 
fuge  of  Lawyers  to  avoid  paying  her  annuity,  and  since 
his  death,  his  Estate,  if  any,  for  there  are  various  opin 
ions  concerning  it,  and  much  contention  arising  there 
from,  would  render  it  uncanded  were  I  not  to  add,  es 
pecially  as  the  heirs  of  his  Security  (also  dead)  have 
pleaded  the  want  of  associates  that  it  is  my  opinion, 
strengthened  by  the  Report  of  the  Revd.  Mr.  Fairfax, 
the  other  Trustee  (who  I  believe  has  done  all  that  cir 
cumstances  would  permit)  that  little  is  to  be  expected 
from  the  prosecution  of  this  business. — 

The  Suit  is  still  going  on,  but  without  sufficient 
means  to  support  it  from  hence,  and  the  circumstances 
already  mentioned  it  has  too  much  the  appearance  of 
throwing  away  good  money  after  bad,  to  proceed. —  So 
far  as  I  have  an  individual  interest  in  the  matter  the 
hope  of  a  return  of  the  money  which  I  advanced  Mrs. 
Savage  in  her  distress,  when  it  was  not  in  the  power  of 
her  Trustees  to  force  payment  of  the  annuity  and  other 
expenditures  in  common  with  Mr.  Fairfax  has  van 
ished  long  since. — 

Having  but  lately  returned  home  from  a  second 
eight  years  absence,  which  with  many  interruptions 
for  public  purposes  between  which  has  prevented  my 
taking  any  active  share  in  this  business  for  upwards  of 
twenty  years,  I  have  given  it  as  my  opinion  to  Mr. 
Fairfax,  that  it  would  be  best  to  offer  a  percentage,  or 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  225 

a  good  fee  to  the  lawyers  prosecuting  the  suit  for  the 
claimants  under — Mrs.  Savage's  Will,  for  all  they  can 
recover  on  this  account ;  and  to  receive  nothing  unless 
they  do,  by  way  of  stimula  to  their  executions :  what 
effect  this  will  have,  or  whether  any,  remains  to  be  de 
cided. — 

I  am, 
Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

To  The  REVD.  NEWBURGH  BURROUGHS. 


MOUNT  VERNON,  2oth.  Augt.,  1797. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  2d.  instt.  came  duly  to  hand,  and  I 
wish  with  all  my  heart  you  would  meet  with  such  em 
ployment  as  your  talents  are  suited  to ;  but  if  you  can 
not  obtain  this  in  Philadelphia  where  your  character  is 
best  known,  it  is  not  likely  you  would  succeed  better 
where  you  are  less  acquainted,  and  in  places  less  pop 
ulous. — 

There  is  none  within  my  view,  in  this  quarter,  in  any 
of  the  lines  to  which  you  allude;  and  if  you  look  for 
anything  in  a  public  way  you  are  already  in  the  best 
situation  to  make  the  application  with  a  prospect  of 
success,  as  the  President  will,  unquestionably,  require 
the  best  testimonials  that  can  be  obtained  of  your 
fitness  for  Office  and  these  can  only  be  had  from  those 
to  whom  you  are  known. — If  you  are  pleased  to  send 
one  of  your  Poems  to  me  Colo.  Bidlad  will  conceive 
pay,  &  forward  it — to 

Sir— 
Yr.  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  JNO.  SEARSON 


226         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  23rd.  Augt.,  1797. 
Sir, 

I  feel,  sensibly,  your  kind  &  polite  attention  to  me, 
in  the  presentation  of  a  bull  calf  of  your  improved 
breed. — A  very  fine  one  indeed,  it  is,  and  merits  my 
particular  thanks,  which  I  pray  you  to  accept. — 

My  stock  of  all  sorts  has  been  much  neglected  dur 
ing  my  eight  years'  residence  from  home,  and  will  take 
more  time  than  in  the  usual  course  of  nature  will  be 
allowed  me,  to  improve  that  much,  but  with  the  means 
you  have  been  so  good  as  to  furnish  me,  and  other  aids, 
I  shall,  by  proper  attention  put  my  black  cattle  into  a 
way  of  improvement. — 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  of  the  disease  &  consequent  de 
generacy  of  your  sheep. — Before  I  left  home  in  the 
Spring  of  1789  I  had  improved  that  species  of  my  stock 
so  much  as  to  get  5  \  Ibs  of  Wool  as  the  average  of  the 
fleeces  of  my  whole  flock, — and  at  the  last  shearing 
they  did  not  yield  me  2  J  Ibs. — By  procuring  (if  I  am 
able,)  good  rams  and  giving  the  necessary  attention,  I 
hope  to  get  them  up  again  for  they  are  with  me,  as  you 
have  declared  them  to  be  with  you,  that  part  of  my 
stock  in  which  I  most  delight. — With  esteem  &  regard 
I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
To  HENRY  D.  GOUGH,  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  ist.  Sept.,  1797. 
Sir,      . 

Your  letter  of  the  3oth  of  July  has  been  received,  but 
not  until  within  the  last  three  days. — Your  judgment 
bond  was  long  before  sent  to  Mr.  Ross  to  bring  suit  on. 
What  he  has  done  in  the  matter  I  know  not. — 

To  sue,  cannot  be  more  unpleasant  and  disagreeable 
to  you,  than  it  is  to  me ;  but  as  the  want  of  money,  and 


THIRD  WIFE  OF  TOBIAS  LEAR 

(Frances  Dandridge  Henley) 

Also  a  niece  of  Martha  Washington,  and  it  was  to  her  that  the  quilt, 
shown  in  the  other  illustration,  was  given 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  227 

a  punctual  payment  of  it,  were  the  only  motives  to  sell 
my  lands  in  the  Counties  of  Fayette  &  Washington,  so 
a  disappointment  in  these  must  defeat  the  objects 
which  I  had  in  view ;  and  has  been  because  of  the  pro 
secution  to  which  I  have  resorted. — 

You  would  not  be  unacquainted  with  the  nature  of 
your  contract  for  the  land  in  Fayette  County,  nor  with 
the  tenor  of  your  Judgment  Bond,  given  to  fulfil  it : — 
of  course,  you  must  have  known  the  amount  of  the 
sums  as  they  became  due  and  that  they  were  to  be  paid 
at  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  on  a  certain  day,  by  In 
stalments  ; — why  then  would  you  trust  to  others  to  do 
your  business ;  and  by  sending  a  little  money  by  this, 
and  a  little  by  that  man  who  knew  not  what  to  do  with 
it  when  they  got  to  Philadelphia,  hazard  the  disappoint 
ments  which  followed?  especially  as  that  mode  of  pay 
ment  was  purposely  guarded  against  in  the  contract, 
as  one  from  whence  I  could  derive  no  substantial  bene 
fit; — Whereas  regular  payments  in  the  manner  Colo. 
Richie  has  made  them  would  have  given  me  (although 
the  land  sold  low)  all  the  advantages  I  expected  to  de 
rive,  from  the  sale  of  the  lands. 

Not  knowing  what  Mr.  Ross  has  done  in  the  prem 
ises,  I  know  not  what  further  to  say  in  reply  to  your 
letter. — If  the  arrearages  are  paid  up,  with  interest  to 
the  time  they  became  due,  and  the  instalments  reg 
ularly  discharged  afterwards,  agreeably  to  the  condi 
tions  of  your  Bond,  it  is  all  I  require  and  all  I  can  wish ; — 
for  far  is  it,  from  my  desire  to  embarrass,  or  injure 
your  character  by  a  Law  suit: — but  if  punctuality  is 
not  observed  on  your  part  a  suit  for  the  reasons  I  have 
already  assigned  will  be  the  inevitable  consequence. — 
And  I  do  now,  in  explicit  terms  declare  that  it  may  be 
of  no  avail  to  see  that  such  an  one  is  to  pay  so  much, 
another  so  much,  and  so  on — I  shall  have  nothing  to  do 
with  any  of  them;  because  I  shall  expect  each  years 


228         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Instalment  will,  by  the  time  it  becomes  due  be  depos 
ited  in  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania,  &  made  liable  to  my 
draught. — This  is  a  very  simple  mode,  and  what  I  shall 
rightly  exact. — I  have  no  Agent  in  Philadelphia  to 
whom  I  would  give  the  trouble  of  receiving  money,  nor 
do  I  want  partial  sums  lodged  there.  The  amount  of 
the  Instalmnt.  must  be  known  to  you,  and  the  times 
of  there  becoming  due. — My  appropriations  will  cor 
respond  therewith — but  nothing  short  of  the  whole 
sums  will  answer  my  purposes. 
I  am — Sir 

Your  Very  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  ISRAEL  SHREVE 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2nd.  Sept.,  1797. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  25th.  ulto.  came  to  hand  by  the 
last  Post.— 

The  ground  Rent  of  the  lot  I  have  offered  to  lease  in 
Alexandria,  is  three  dollars  a  foot,  for  what  it  measures 
on  each  street. — This  I  must  obtain  as  an  annual  Rent 
on  the  lot  will  not  be  disposed  of  in  that  way. — 
I  am  Sir, 

Your  Very  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  JAMES  HARRISON 

MOUNT  VERNON,  4th.  Septr.,  1797. 
Sir, 

I  am  going  to  take  a  liberty  with  you,  for  which  I 
rely  more  on  your  goodness,  than  on  any  excuse  I  can 
make,  for  pardon. 

A  person  of  the  name  of  Anthony  Hensler,  a  Ger 
man  (in  the  vicinity  of  Baltimore)  has  offered  himself 
to  me  as  a  Gardener. — He  professes  to  understand  that 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  229 

business  in  all  its  branches,  and  well  in  each,  represent 
ing  himself  moreover  as  a  person  of  some  property,  and 
very  sober. — He  adds  that,  his  wife  (about  his  own  age) 
is  a  very  decent  woman,  and  capable  of  the  duties  of 
a  Housekeeper. — 

Such  characters  would  be  useful  to  me  at  this  time ; 
but  I  told  Mr.  Hensler  that  I  would  not  employ  stran 
gers,  in  either  of  those  capacities,  without  ample  tes 
timonials  of  their  qualifications;  and  with  respect  to 
himself  that  they  must  go  to  these  points. — i.  Skill  in 
the  line  of  his  profession — 2.  Honesty — 3.  Sobriety — 
4.  moral  character,  generally. — 5.  orderly  deport 
ment — and  6.  industry,  for  although  I  usually  employed 
two  or  three  negroes  under  my  hired  Gardener  it 
was  not  for  the  purpose  of  exempting  the  latter  from 
manual  labour. 

For  information  respecting  these  matters  he  has  re 
ferred  me  to  you;  (who  he  says  has  a  knowledge  of 
him  from  his  having  lived  on  some  estate  of  yours. 
On  this  ground  then  it  is,  I  am  induced  to  ask  the  fav 
our  of  you  to  give  me  the  character  of  Mr.  Hensler. — 
It  is  not  easy  to  conceive  that  his  wife,  to  whom  accord 
ing  to  his  own  account  he  has  been  married  upward  of 
20  years  can,  from  the  station  she  has  filled,  without 
having  previously  acquired  it,  be  well  qualified  for 
keeping  such  a  house  as  mine  but  if  she  is  neat  in  her 
person,  sensible,  active,  honest  &  spirited;  and  poss 
esses  any  knowledge  in  cookery,  she  might  be  very  use 
ful  to  Mrs.  Washington  notwithstanding. — 

I  must  again  pray  your  excuse  for  the  trouble  this 
application  must  give  and  request  that  I  may  as  soon 
as  is  convenient,  hear  from  you  on  this  subject. 
I  am  Sir, 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  GENL.  O'DONALD. 


230         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON  in  VIRGINIA 

1 5th.  Septr.  1797. 
Sir. 

Your  letter  of  the  i2th.  of  May  has  been  received, 
but  not  until  within  these  few  days: — to  which  you 
will  please  to  consider  the  following  as  a  reply. — 

Having  been  long  in  public  life,  and  but  little  in  this 
State  for  the  last  five  and  twenty  years; — and  more 
over,  having  had  but  very  little  agency  in  the  Admin 
istration  of  the  deceased  Colo.  Thomas  Colvil's  affairs, 
even  antecedant  thereto,  no  consideration  short  of  being 
the  surviving  Executor  of  his  Will  and  the  imperious 
necessity  occasioned  thereby  of  bringing  matters  to  a 
close,  could  possibly  have  induced  me  to  resume  any 
agency  therein. — 

Under  these  circumstances  however,  I  have  at  all 
times,  of  late,  when  it  was  in  my  power,  used  my  best 
endeavors  to  have  the  accounts  closed,  in  order  to 
ascertain  the  surplus  which  that  Gentleman  had 
bequeathed  to  the  nearest  relations  of  his  mother,  of 
the  names  of  Stott,  Wills,  Richardson  and  Catherine 
Smith,  of  Durham;  or  their  descendants: — and  with 
much  difficulty  and  the  aid  of  a  Gentleman  (Mr.  Keith) 
well  acquainted  with  this  sort  of  business,  have  ac 
complished  it,  as  you  see  by  having  recourse  to  a 
notification  in  the  London  Gazette  of  December  last, 
consequent  of  a  decree  of  the  high  Court  of  Chancery 
in  this  State. 

The  persons  just  named,  or  those  claiming  under 
them,  may,  perhaps  be  disappointed  at  the  smallness 
of  the  sum — viz — nine  hundred  and  thirty  two  pounds, 
seventeen  shillings  and  seven  pence  three  farthings, 
estimating  dollars  at  Six  shillings;  which  upon  the 
final  settlement  was  found  to  be  the  surplusage  of  the 
Testators  estate  after  his  Debts  and  specified  legacies 
were  discharged;  but  if  they  will  advert  to  the  clause 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  231 

of  the  Will  under  which  they  claim,  &  which  was 
published  in  England  many  years  ago,  there  ought 
not  to  be  any  surprise,  as  it  there  appears  that  the 
Testator  himself  was  in  doubt  whether  there  would  be 
any  overplus  estate. 

The  reason  why  that  sum  (now  actually  in  the  Bank 
of  Alexandria)  was  submitted  to  the  decision  and 
disposition  of  the  Chancellor  was,  because  there  had 
been  so  many  claims  exhibited ; — so  vague  a  nature ; — 
and  some  of  them  accompanied  by  such  unjust  and 
indecent  insinuations,  that  I  did  not  incline  to  inquire 
into  the  merits  of  the  respective  claims,  or  to  become 
responsible  for  the  distribution  of  the  money. — All 
those  who  have  pretensions  under  the  Will  to  a  share 
in  the  beforementioned  sum,  will  now  know  where  I 
have  sent  their  proofs ;  &  to  receive  an  order  for  their 
proportion  of  the  Devise,  having  nothing  more  to  do 
in  the  matter  myself.  I  am — Sir 

Your  Obedient  Hble  Servt. 
MR.  GEO.  PEARSON.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  iSthSepr.  1797. 
Mr.  Hensler, 

I  should  have  written  to  you  at  an  earlier  period,  but 
for  the  following  reasons. — 

First,  because  as  I  informed  you,  I  had  written  to 
Scotland  for  a  complete  gardener  under  indentures ;  and 
expected  every  day  to  learn  the  result  of  my  appli 
cation. — I  could  not  therefore,  enter  into  engagements 
with  another  without  hazarding  a  disappointment  toone 
of  the  parties  ,or  a  surplusage  of  men  in  that  line,  which 
would  have  been  useless,  and  inconvenient  to  myself — 
and  secondly,  because  I  requested  you  not  to  forego  any 
other  plan  you  might  have  in  contemplation,  while  I  re 
mained  in  the  state  of  incertitude  I  had  expressed  to 
you. — 


232         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

I  have  now,  within  a  day  or  two,  received  a  letter 
from  the  Gentleman  to  whom  I  applied  in  Scotland, 
to  engage  me  a  Gardener,  promising  that  he  wd. 
endeavour  to  comply  with  my  request,  &  hoped  he 
should  succeed ;  thus,  the  matter  stands  on  uncertain 
ground  yet. 

The  presumption  however  is,  that  a  few  weeks  will 
decide  whether  I  am  to  receive  a  Gardener  from  Scot 
land,  or  not: — If  the  latter,  I  will  delay  no  time  in 
giving  you  notice  thereof,  and  will  accompany  the 
communication  with  the  specific  terms  on  which  I 
would  employ  you: — which,  if  you  shd.  be  disengaged 
at  the  time,  will  require  no  other  answer  than  yea  or 
nay. — • 

I  can  only  repeat  now,  what  I  said  to  you  when  you 
were  here  last,  that  from  the  circumstances  I  am  under, 
&  the  uncertainty  of  the  case,  it  is  not  my  wish,  or  de 
sire  that  you  should  avoid  any  employment  worthy  of 
your  acceptance,  in  expectation  of  getting  into  my 
service. — I  remain, 

Your  friend  &ca. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  ANTHONY  HEUSLER. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  24th  Sept.,  1797. 
Sir, 

I  have  examined  my  land  papers,  but  find  I  possess 
none  which  relate  to  my  purchase  from  Mr.  Simon 
Peason,  all  of  them  having  been  turned  over,  with 
my  transfer,  to  Mr.  Lund  Washington. — 

I  can  form  no  idea  of  what  Graften  Kirt  &ca.  are  to 
exhibit  in  evidence  on  this  occasion. — I  sincerely  be 
lieve  that  all  the  proceedings  in,  &  docking  of,  the  en 
tail  of  the  land  to  which  Mr.  Thos.  Pearson  now  sets  up 
a  claim,  were  strictly  conformable  to  law,  and  of  more 
validity  than  Grafton's  testimony;  whose  character; 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  233 

if  I  have  not  an  erroneous  impression  of  it,  is  not  quite 
immaculate,  but  so  much  the  reverse,  as  to  be  a  ready 
witness  upon  all  occasions. — Nothing  suggests  itself 
to  my  mind  as  ground  on  which  a  suit  can  be  instituted, 
unless  it  be  alledged,  that  some  of  the  Jurors  were  not 
freeholders  a  thing  I  never  have  heard  surmised,  and 
strange  indeed  to  be  proved,  five  &  thirty  years  after 
their  verdict  was  given  and  (as  I  presume)  admitted  to 
record. — 

The  Deeds,  if  well  drawn,  do,  no  doubt  recite  the 
case,  &  names  of  the  Jurors. — but  admitting  the  fore 
going  mistake  in  the  Sheriff,  would  a  Court  of  equity 
suffer  an  innocent  purchaser  to  sustain  an  injury  from 
the  misconception  or  inattention  of  that  Officer  to  his 
duty? — I  think  not. — 

You  told  me  on  Saturday  that  Simon  Pearson  left  no 
legitimate  children,  and  that  his  Brother  Thomas  was 
the  lawful  heir,  but  to  whom  has  descended  or  rather 
to  whom  bid  Simon  (if  he  left  a  will)  bequeath  his 
Estate? — For  if  there  be  any  irregularity  in  the  process 
of  docking  the  Entail,  and  Thos.  should,  which  I  think 
not  at  all  likely,  recover  the  land  for  which  he  is  con 
tending,  that  estate  must  be  resorted  to: — I  cannot 
surely  be  in  possession  of  Thomas,  for  in  that  case  the 
contest  wd.  be  with  himself,  because  he  wd.  have  to 
pay  for  all  he  obtained. — 

When  you  know  the  result  of  the  evidence  you  are 
summoned  to  hear,  I  shd.  be  glad  to  be  informed  of 
it — &  with  esteem 

I  am  Sir 

Yr.  Very  Hble.  Servant 
To  MR.  WILLIAM  TRIPLETT.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  3d.  Oct.,  1797. 
Sir, 

I  have  already  erected  a  threshing  machine  on  Mr. 


234         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Booker's  plan,  and  was  on  the  point  of  putting  up  one 
or  two  more  when  I  received  a  letter  from  a  Gentleman 
of  my  acquaintace  informing  me  that  you  had  invented 
one  which  did  more  execution  with  less  force. — This 
has  induced  me  to  suspend  the  erection  of  those  on 
Mr.  Booker's  plan,  until  I  can  receive  better  inform 
ation  relative  to  yours,  and  this  is  the  cause  of  my 
giving  you  the  trouble  of  receiving  this  letter  and 
praying  that  you  would  be  so  obliging  as  to  give  it. — 

The  advantage  which  Mr.  Booker  has  over  the  Scotch 
machine  (which  I  never  saw)  lyes,  it  is  said,  in  being 
less  expensive,  &  less  complex — particularly  in  the  sub 
stitution  of  a  band  in  place  of  cogs  &  rounds ;  which,  as 
I  have  understood,  with  the  expense  thereof,  is  the 
principal  objection  to  the  latter. 

Not  having  heard  whether  you  have  obtained  a 
Patent,  for  the  invention  of  yours,  or  mean  to  apply  for 
one,  I  would  not  have  it  understood  that  my  application 
for  information  into  the  principle  on  which  yours  act — 
the  power  which  works  it — or  the  execution — is  cal 
culated  to  deprive  you  of  any  benefit  which  might  re 
sult  in  either  case. — 

The  object  of  my  enquiry  is  merely  to  know  whether 
yours  (nothing  being  more  interesting  to  the  farmer) 
is  upon  a  simple  plan  &  not  easily  put  out  of  order  in 
the  hands  of  ignorant  negroes  &  careless  overseers, — 
whether  cheap,  &  easily  erected,  what  the  execution, — 
and  with  what  force  it  is  worked;  together  with  the 
manner  of  working  it — and  the  house  proper  for  its  re 
ception. — 

If  in  these  particulars,  on  a  fair  comparison  with  Mr. 
Booker's  it  obtains  a  preference,  I  shall  certainly,  as 
I  am  about  to  provide  conveniencies  of  this  sort  for 
getting  my  erect  yours  instead  of  his ;  and 

whether  built  by  my  own  people  or  others  I  am  willing 
to  allow  the  Patent  fee  if  it  exists,  or  to  stand  upon  the 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  235 

same  footing  that  others  do  to  avail  myself  of  the  best 
discovery  in  this  or  any  other  country  to  effect  so  val 
uable  an  end. — Your  answer  to  these  queries  would 
very  much  oblige  me  as  ulterior  measures  depend  upon 
them  &  my  want  of  machines  to  get  my  grain  out  in  a 
clean  and  expeditious  mode  I  hope  you  will  have  the 
goodness  to  excuse  the  liberty  I  have  herein  taken  and 
to  believe  that  I  am  Sir 

Your  Most  Hble.  Servt. 
To  MR.  THOMAS  C.  MARTIN.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  9  Oct.,  1797. 
Dear  &  Revd.  Sir, 

I  have  duly  received  your  several  letters  of  last 
month, — but  as  an  expression  of  my  regret,  in  the  con 
duct  &  behaviour  of  young  Curtis  would  avail  nothing 
I  shall  not  trouble  you  by  the  attempt. 

I  am  persuaded  that  your  conduct  towards  him  has 
been  such  as  friendship  inspired,  and  the  duties  of  your 
important  truth  required. — And  as  you  have  seen,  in  a 
degree,  what  my  solicitude  advice  &  admonition  have 
been,  he  will  have  himself  only  to  upbraid  for  any  con 
sequences  which  may  follow — and  this  perhaps  comes 
too  late. 

By  Mr.  La  Fayette  who  is  on  his  way  to  New  York 
to  embark  for  France,  I  send  you  bank  notes  to  the 
amount  of  $100  in  discharge  of  the  balance  of  the  acct. 
transmitted  (65) — the  twenty  advanced  Mr.  Curtis 
when  he  left  Princeton  and  any  other  unpaid  bills  which 
may  hereafter  appear — And  with  thanks  for  your  po 
lite  attention  to,  &  care  of  him  while  he  was  under  your 
superintendence,  I  remain  with  the  highest  esteem,  re 
gard-  &  respect, 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  The  REVD.  DOCTR.  SAMUEL  STANHOPE  SMITH. 


236         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  loth.  Oct,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

In  answering  your  favor  of  the  28th.  ulto.  which 
has  been  duly  received  I  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to 
give  you  more  satisfactory  information  than  you  will 
find,  in  this  letter  relative  to  the  land  near  Suffolk. 

Some  years  ago  (before,  if  my  memory  serves  me,  I 
was  called  to  administer  the  Government  of  the  U. 
States)  Mr.  John  Lewis,  as  Executor  of  his  father,  Colo. 
Fielding  Lewis.  Will,  informed  me  that  the  circum 
stances  of  that  estate  required  that  his  father 's  interest 
in  the  lands  wch.  were  bought  by  him,  your  father  & 
myself,  lying  as  above,  should  be  sold. — In  reply,  I 
told  him  that  any  bargain  for  it  that  Doctr.  Walker  & 
himself  would  make,  I  would  abide  by. — Since  which 
I  have  never  heard  a  tittle  from  either  on  this  subject — 
nor  do  I  know  in  whose  possession,  or  under  what  cir 
cumstances  the  lands  now  are. — That  they  are  not 
sold  I  am  inclined  to  believe,  because  the  title  papers 
are  still  in  my  care,  &  no  application  has  ever  been 
made  for  them. — 

These  from  a  cursory  examination  appear  to  be  from 

Acres 

Josh.  Jones  to  G.  W.  T.  W.  &  F.  for  2  tracts 872 

Jas.  Wright"  Do  Do  Do    50 

Stepn.  Wright  Do  Do  Do 100 

Kings  Patent  Do  Do  Do 188 

Total    1210 

I  thank  you  for  offering  to  sell  me  your  interest  in  the 
above  lands,  but  I  have  no  disposition  to  become  the 
purchaser,  having  lately  sold  my  share  of  the  Company 
property  in  the  Dismal  Swamp,  and  formerly  a  tract 
adjoining  thereto,  held  by  the  deceased  Colo.  Lewis  & 
myself ;  I  shall  be  willing,  however,  at  any  time,  to  join 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  237 

you  &  Mr.  John  Lewis  in  disposing  of  them  to  any  other 
purchaser. — 

With  esteem  &  regard  I  am  Sir, 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  FRANCIS  WALKER,  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i5th.  Octr.  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favour  dated  Elizabeth  Town  October — has 
been  duly  received. — I  am  sorry  that  the  state  of  your 
health  should  deprive  me  of  the  pleasure  of  your  com 
pany  at  this  place. — and  I  regret  still  more  that  the 
pain  you  feel  from  the  wounds  you  have  received 
though  glorious  for  your  reputation  is  the  occasion 
of  it.— 

Whatever  I  can  do  as  a  private  citizen  (and  in  no 
other  capacity  I  can  now  act)  consistently,  with  the 
plan  I  have  laid  down  for  my  future  government,  you 
may  freely  command. — You  will  find,  however,  con 
trary  as  it  may  be  to  your  expectation  or  wishes,  that 
all  pecuniary  matters  must  flow  from  the  Legislature 
and  in  a  form  which  cannot  be  dispensed  with — I  may 
add  Lam  sure,  that  your  claim  upon  the  justice  &  feel 
ings  of  this  country  will  meet  with  no  delay — Nor  do  I 
suppose  that  the  loss  of  your  certificate  will  be  any  im 
pediment. — Your  rank  and  services  in  the  American 
Army  are  too  well  known  to  require  that  testimony  of 
your  claim  and  the  Books  of  the  Treasury  will  show 
that  you  have  received  nothing  in  discharge  of  it — or  if 
any  part,  to  what  amount. — With  the  highest  esteem 
&  regard  and  respect. 
I  am,  Dear  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  GENERAL  TADEUSZ  KOSCIENSZKO. 


238          LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  isth.  Oct.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  Fish  you  had  the  goodness  to  send  me  arrived  very 
safe;  and  are  excellent. — for  your  recollection  of  that 
request  of  mine,  and  the  trouble  you  were  at  to  obtain 
the  best  kind,  I  pray  you  to  accept  my  grateful  thanks. — 

The  money,  as  you  desired,  was  paid  to  Captn.  Silver, 
to  the  amount  of  your  memorandum  of  their  cost, — and 
they  shall  be  stored,  &  dressed  agreeably  to  the  direc 
tions  contained  in  your  letter,  forgiving  which  I  feel 
myself  obliged. 

No  man  wishes  more  devoutly  than  I  that  a  stop  was 
put  to  the  further  effusion  of  blood ; — that  harmony  was 
restored  to  all  nations, — and  that  justice  was  done  to 
ours ; — but  I  must  confess  that  my  hope  of  seeing  these 
accomplished  soon,  exceed  my  expectation. — The  af 
fairs  of  Europe  seem  to  me  to  be  in  so  purturbed  a  state 
— and  the  views  of  the  principal  actors  so  discordant 
that  it  is  not  easy  on  rational  principles  and  fair  cal 
culation  to  predict  events. — 

Nothing  is  wanting  in  ourselves  to  steer  clear  of  the 
vortex  of  misery,  which  has  brought  so  many  of  the 
nations  of  Europe  to  the  brink  of  ruin  in  this  desol 
ating  war,  but  unanimity ; — and  if  a  steady  adherence 
to  the  principles  which  have  hitherto  directed  our 
councils  is  unable  to  effect  this,  it  will  nevertheless  I 
hope  avert  the  evils  which,  otherwise  might  be  expec 
ted  to  flow  from  the  persevering  opposition  which  is 
levelled  at  our  government;  and  all  those  who  stand 
forward  in  support  of  it. — This  is  my  creed,  and  I  shall 
believe  in  it  until  the  contrary  is  verified,  which  Heaven 
revert!  Adieu,  with  very  great  esteem  and  regard  I 
remain  Dear  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedient  and  very  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  The  HONBLE.  BENJAMIN  GOODHUE. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  239 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i5th.  Octr.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  28th  ulto.  has  been  received  and 
I  sincerely  regret  the  continuance  of  the  malady  which 
afflicts  the  city  of  Philadelphia  and  the  Seaport  Towns 
but  hope  the  frosts  which  we  have  lately  had  &  the 
approaching  cold,  will  eradicate  the  disorder. — 

The  season  rendering  the  Room  for  which  I  wanted  a 
in  a  manner  useless  for  the  purpose  it  was  designed  I 
have  procured  one  in  Alexandria. — although  it  is  not 
altogether  such  as  I  wanted,  a  very  good  shift  can  be 
made  with  it,  and  as  it  supercedes  the  necessity  of  those 
I  had  written  to  you  for,  I  have  now  to  request  you  will 
decline  sending  them,  or  either  of  them. — The  other 
matters  you  will  be  so  good  as  to  send  when  an  oppor 
tunity  offers. — With  esteem  &  regard 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  CLEMENT  BIDDLE. 

MOUNT  VERNON  15  Octr,  1797. 
Revd.  Sir, 

Your  favour  of  the  2oth  of  Feb.  has  been  received, 
and  I  am  indebted  to  you  for  many  other  unacknowl 
edged  letters. — The  trouble  is,  I  soon  found  after, 
entering  upon  the  duties  of  my  late  public  stations 
that  private  correspondencies  did  not  accord  with 
official  duties:  and  as  I  determined  to  perform  the 
latter  to  the  best  of  my  abilities,  I  early  relinquished 
the  former,  when  business  was  not  the  subject  of  them.— 

It  might  be  asked,  why  suffer  the  letter  of  the  2oth. 
of  February  (which  is  of  the  latter  description)  to 
remain  unacknowledged  after  I  had,  months  past, 
bid  advice  in  my  public  walks? — The  answer  is  easy; 
— an  eight  years'  absence  from  home  (excepting 
short  occasional  visits)  had  so  deranged  my  private 
affairs; — had  so  despoiled  my  buildings; — and  in  a 


\/ 


i 


24o        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

word,  had  thrown  my  domestic  concerns  in  to  such 
disorder,  as  at  no  period  of  my  life  have  I  been  more 
engaged  than  in  the  last  six  months,  to  recover  & 
put  them  into  some  tolerable  train  again. 

Workmen  in  most  countries,  I  believe,  are  necessary 
plagues; — in  this  where  entreaties  as  well  as  money 
must  be  used  to  obtain  their  work,  and  keep  them  to 
their  duty,  they  baffle  all  calculation  in  the  accom 
plishment  of  any  plan,  or  repairs  they  are  engaged  in ; 
— and  require  more  attention  to,  &  looking  after,  than 
can  well  be  conceived. — Numbers  of  these,  of  all 
descriptions,  having  been  employed  by  me  ever  since 
I  came  home  (to  render  my  situation  comfortable 
the  ensuing  winter)  has  allowed  me  little  leisure  for 
other  occupations. 

Rural  employments  while  I  am  spared  (which  in 
the  natural  course  of  things  cannot  be  long)  will  now 
take  place  of  toil — responsibility — and  the  sollici- 
tudes  attending  the  walks  of  public  life; — and  with 
vows  for  the  peace,  the  happiness  &  prosperity  of  a 
country  in  whose  service  the  prime  of  my  life  hath 
been  spent, — and  with  best  wishes  for  the  tranquility 
of  all  Nations,  and  all  men,  the  scene  will  close ;  grateful 
to  that  Providence  which  has  directed  my  steps,  & 
shielded  me  in  the  various  changes  &  chances  through 
which  I  have  passed,  from  my  youth  to  the  present 
moment. 

I  scarcely  know  what  you  allude  to  in  your  letter 
of  the  2oth  of  Feby.  when  you  say  "  I  observed  in  the 
Philadelphia  papers  mention  made  of  a  volume  of 
your  epistles,  domestic,  confidential  &  official"  unkss 
it  be  the  spurious  letters  which  issued  from  a  certain 
Voss  in  New  York  during  the  War,  with  a  view  to 
destroy  the  confidence  which  the  army  and  community 
might  have  had  in  my  political  principles ; — and  which 
have  lately  been  republished  with  greater  avidity  & 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  241 

perseverance  than  ever,  by  Mr.  Vache,  to  answer  the 
same  nefarious  purpose  with  the  letters. 

I  supposed  every  attack  that  was  made  upon  my 
Executive  conduct  (the  one  just  mentioned  among  the 
sett)  to  pass  unnoticed  while  I  remained  in  public 
office;  well  knowing  that  if  the  general  tenor  of  it 
would  not  stand  the  test  of  investigation,  a  newspaper 
vindication  would  be  of  little  avail. — But  as  immense 
pains  has  been  taken  by  this  said  Mr.  Vache,  who  is 
no  more  than  the  agent  or  tool  of  those  who  are  en 
deavoring  to  destroy  the  confidence  of  the  people 
in  the  officers  of  Government  (chosen  by  themselves) 
to  dessiminate  those  counterfait  letters,  I  conceived 
it  a  piece  of  justice  due  to  my  own  character,  and  to 
Posterity,  to  disavow  them  in  explicit  terms; — and 
this  I  did  in  a  letter  directed  to  the  Secretary  of  State 
to  be  filed  in  his  office  the  day  on  which  I  closed  my 
administration. — This  letter  has  since  been  published 
in  the  Gazette  by  the  head  of  that  Department: — 

With  respect  to  your  own  request,  I  can  say  nothing, 
so  many  things  are  continually  given  to  the  public 
of  which  I  have  no  previous  knowledge — nor  time 
indeed  to  inspect  them  if  I  had  been  therewith  in 
formed — that  I  may  mistake  the  meaning  of  it. — The 
late  Secretary  of  State  (now  Vice-President)  per 
mitted  a  Mr.  Levy — my  consent  being  first  obtained — 
to  take  copies  under  his  inspection  of  the  letters  I  had 
written  to  Congress;  which  letters  have  since  been 
published  and  are  I  presume  genuine,  and  must  be 
those  which  you  refer  to. — But  as  they  are  the  work 
of  another,  who  is  now  in  England  on  this  business, 
I  cannot  suppose  that  you  had  it  in  contemplation  to 
derive  a  benefit  from  his  labours. — I  shall  only  add 
therefore  that  discretion  in  matters  of  this  sort  must 
be  your  guide  without  a  Yea  or  nay  from  me. — 

For  Politics  I  shall  refer  you  to  the  Gazette  of  this 


242        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

country,  with  which  I  presume  you  are  acquainted,  & 
with  respect  to  other  matters,  I  have  nothing  wch. 
would  be  entertaining,  or  worth  narrating. — Mrs. 
Washington  too  unites  with  me  in  best  wishes  for  the 
health  &  happiness  of  yourself  and  Mrs.  Gordon — 
and  I  am  with  esteem  &  respect — Revd.  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedt.  &  very  Hble.  Servt. 
G.  WASHINGTON. 
THE  REVD.  DOCTR.   (WILLIAM)   GORDON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,   i6th.  Oct.,   1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favour  of  the  2d.  instt.  came  duly  to  hand. — 
For  the  persual  of  the  enclosure  I  thank  you.  It  is 
returned. 

We  heard  with  much  concern,  but  long  after  the 
thing  had  happened,  of  the  accident  which  befel  your 
son. — We  hope  he  is  perfectly  recovered  from  the  fall, 
and  you  from  your  billious  attack. — 

Having  no  news  to  entertain  you  with,  and  could 
only  fill  a  letter  with  the  perplexities  I  experience  daily 
from  workmen,  and  other  occurrences  of  little  moment 
to  any  besides  myself,  I  shall  conclude  this  letter  with 
best  respects  in  which  Mrs.  Washington  and  Milly 
Custis  unite  to  Mrs.  McHenry  and  yourself  and  with 
assurances  of  being 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte.  friend 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  JAMES  MCHENRY,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  26th  Oct.,  1797. 
Sir, 

Since  you  left  this,  yesterday  I  have  conversed  with 
my  Manager  on  the  subject  of  flour,  according  to  your 
desire. — 


OP  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  243 

The  result  is,  that  on  Tuesday  next,  provided  im 
mediate  notice  is  given,  he  could  have  fifty  barrels  of 
Superfine  at  Alexandria. — It  would,  however,  em 
ployed  as  my  Boats  are  in  getting  materials  together 
for  my  Distillery,  be  vastly  more  convenient  for  me  to 
deliver  it  to  a  vassal  at  my  mill. — 

If  you  to  be  the  above  mentioned  flour  I  shall  expect 
eight  dollars  and  a  half  per  barrel  for  it. 
I  am — Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 
To  MR.  BARRY.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,   27th  Octr.,   1797. 
Sir, 

The  enclosed  letter  from  Mr.  Brooks  your  brother,  to 
Mr.  Anderson  my  Manager  (who  were  acquainted)  is  the 
best  apology  I  can  offer  for  giving  you  the  trouble  of  re 
ceiving  one  from  me. — 

It  is  the  wish  of  Mrs.  Washington  that  Mrs.  Forbes, 
would  without  delay,  repair  to  this  place  with  her 
clothes  &ca.  where  (if  she  has  been  an  acceptable  and 
competent  housekeeper  to  you,  while  you  filled  the 
chair  of  Government  of  this  State)  there  can  be  little 
doubt  of  her  answering  our  purposes  and  will  be  re 
tained  on  the  terms  mentioned  in  my  advertisement 
which  was  inserted  in  a  Richmond  Paper.— 

If  Mrs.  Forbes  comes  in  the  stage,  which  I  presume 
will  be  the  case,  she  might  stop  at  the  Widon  Lund 
Washington's  (close  on  the  Road  between  Colchester  & 
Alexandria)  who  will  either  send  her  hither,  or  let  us 
know  that  she  is  there. — 

A  previous  knowledge  of  the  characters,  one  has  to 
do  with,  being  of  some  importance,  you  would  do  me  a 
favour  in  giving  (and  it  might  be  confidentially  if  you 
prefer  it)  that  of  Mrs.  Forbes. — Besides  care ;  &  a  know 
ledge  of  the  duties  of  the  station — one  who  will  see  to 


244        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

the  execution,  answer  as  direct  the  measures  of  the 
Servants  is  indispensable  in  my  family  One  too  who  has 
spirit  to  enforce  her  orders — on  doing  which  she  will 
have  every  proper  support. 

I  pray  you  to  excuse  the  liberty  I  have  taken  in 
making  this  request. 

I  am  Sir, 
Your  Most  Obedt.  and  Very  Hble.  Servant, 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  ROBT.  BROOKE,   Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  3oth  Oct.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favors  of  the  3oth  of  August  and  8th.  of  Septem 
ber  have  remained  unacknowledged,  because  I  had 
nothing  to  communicate  that  could  compensate  for  the 
loss  of  a  moment  of  your  time,  which  I  know  is  too 
much  occupied  in  matters  of  business  to  be  interrupted 
by  unimportant  letters. 

Having  received  the  enclosed  letter  by  the  Ganges, 
in  the  twilight,  and  attending  to  the  first  part  of  the  su 
perscription  only,  I  broke  the  seal  before  I  discovered 
that  it  was  of  a  public  nature.  And  the  direction  of  the 
Spanish  letter  being  somewhat  equivocal,  I  send  it  also ; 
as  well,  for  that  reason  as  because  I  could  not  read  it 
after  it  was  opened, — both  to  be  disposed  as  you  shall 
see  fit. — 

I  thank  you  for  sending  me  your  answer  to  the  very 
improper  letter  of  Mr.  de  Grujo,  who  merited  less  re 
spectful  treatment. — The  copying  press  came  safe,  but 
does  not  work  well ;  whether  for  want  of  more  springs 
I  am  unable  to  determine. — Having  a  small  one  (which 
used  to  be  getting  out  of  order  frequently,  but  at  pres 
ent  does  tolerably  well)  I  do  not  use  it  at  all. — Should 
the  smaller  one  fail,  I  will  send  the  other,  and  ask  you 
to  have  its  defects  rectified. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  245 

From  the  last  Philadelphia  Reports  respecting  the 
Yellow  fever,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  that  dreadful  ma 
lady  has  ceased,  and  the  distressed  Inhabitant  are  re 
turning  to  their  long,  forsaken  homes. — I  wish  it  de 
voutly,  on  public  as  well  as  private  considerations, 
for  an  equivocal  state  of  that  disorder  would  place  the 
President  in  an  embarrassing  situation. 

With  very  great  esteem  &  regard 
I  remain — Dear  Sir, 

Yr.  Obedt.  &  Affect. 

G.  Washington. 
To  COLO.  TIMOTHY  PICKERING. 

MOUNT  VERNON  3oth  Oct  1797 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  2ist  Instt.  has  been  duly  received, 
but  ignorant  as  I  am  of  the  motive  which  has  induced 
you  to  send  me  an  extract  of  the  Law  of  1780  relative 
to  recruits,  for  the  army,  I  know  not  what  reply  to 
make. 

Matters  of  that  sort,  I  never  had  anything  to  do 
with,  as  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  American  Army ; — 
and  never  having  speculated  in  any  Soldiers  certificate, 
or  Rights  of  any  kind  or  nature  whatsoever,  I  am, 
perhaps,  as  little  competent  to  give  an  opinion  thereon 
(if  I  understood  your  meaning)  as  any  man  in  the 
United  States.—- 

I  am  Sir 

Your  very  Hble  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  JACOB  VALENTINE. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  3  Nov.,  1797. 
Sir, 

I  shall  preface  this  letter  in  answer  to  yours  of  yes 
terday,  with  a  declaration  as  sincere  as  it  is  solemn, — 


246        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

and  that  is,  that  if  it  was  in  my  power,  I  would  take  no 
advantage  of  you  in  the  proposed  exchange  of  Lands ; — 
nor  would  I  wish  you  to  make  a  bargain  with  me  that 
either  you  yourself  or  your  friends  (such  I  mean  as  are 
competent  judges)  should  hereafter  say  was  disadvan 
tageous  on  your  part: — for  be  assured  I  should  derive 
no  pleasure  from  a  contract  of  which  you  might  have 
just  cause  to  complain. 

Having  made  this  declaration,  it  remains  to  be  added, 
that  both  of  us  may  err  in  the  comparative  value  of  our 
respective  lands. — You,  perhaps,  proceed  upon  what 
you  conceive  to  be  the  present  selling  price  of  such  lands 
as  yours  are,  in  this  country, — which,  abstractedly  is 
fair ;  but  if  I  mistake  not,  lands  here  are  not  only  at  a 
stand,  but  on  the  decline ;  while  on  the  other  hand,  I  go 
on  a  thorough  conviction  in  my  own  mind,  that  such  as 
I  offer  in  exchange  and  which  in  some  instances  /  know, 
and  in  all  believe  are  of  the  first  rate,  will  increase. — 
I  form  this  opinion  from  analogous  circumstances; — 
for  since  I  have  been  an  actor  for  myself,  Frederick  and 
Berkeley  courtier  were  deemed  much  more  remote  & 
in  fact  out  of  the  inhabited  world — that  the  Kanhawa 
is  now : — and  land,  which  I  then  bought  in  the  former 
at  five  pounds  per  hundred  acres,  and  the  highest  (on 
account  of  small  improvements)  at  twenty  five  pound, 
per  hundd.  I  could  now  sell,  very  readily  at  five  pounds 
an  acre. — But  this  is  digressing  from  the  point,  and  I 
will  return  to  it  again,  after  making  one  more  obser 
vation  which  in  my  opinion  is  literally  true  &  impor 
tant — namely — that  it  is  not  the  number  of  acres  you 
receive  in  exchange  for  your  land,  that  is  to  render  that 
exchange  valuable, — there  are  a  great  many  local  con 
siderations  which  must  contribute  to  this. — I  aver, 
most  seriously,  that  I  wd.  not  give  my  tract  of  10990 
acres  on  the  Kanhawa  for  50,000  acres  back  of  it,  & 
adjoining  thereto,  nor  for  any  50,000  acres  of  the 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  247 

common  land  of  the  country,  which  I  have  seen,  back 
from  the  water,  &  in  one  body. — And  I  have  no  doubt 
but  that  the  land  immediately  back  of  mine  might  now 
be  bought  for  half  a  dollar  or  less  pr.  which  and  on  acct. 
of  the  extensive  range  that  cannot  for  series  of  years  be 
interrupted,  renders  these  bottoms  so  extremely  val 
uable. — 

In  offering  you  three  of  my  tracts  on  the  Kanhawa, 
containing  together  12,276  acres  for  yoir  sugar  land 
tracts  entire,  I  conceived  I  was  by  no  means  deficient 
in  proposing  an  equivalent,  especially  as  these  three 
tracts  would  have  given  you  a  boundary  on  the  Rivers 
of  near  25  miles,  of  the  richest  low  ground  in  that  ctry. 

It  is  true  and  so  I  informed  you  that  I  had  never  been 
on  either  of  these  tracts  and  have  only  the  Surveyors 
report  and  other  information  on  which  to  form  my 
opinion  of  the  quality  of  the  land. — They  may  be  less, 
or  they  may  be  more  valuable  than  the  lower  tract  for 
ought  I  know  to  the  contrary.  Two  reasons  however, 
induced  me  to  reserve  the  latter. — ist  a  knowledge  of 
the  tract  from  my  own  inspection  of  it — because  it  was 
the  lowest  on  that  River  and  not  more  than  3  miles 
from  Mount  Pleasant. — A  place  which  must,  as  soon  as 
tranquillity  is  perfectly  restored  be  of  considerable  im 
portance  from  its  situation  at  the  junction  of  two  im 
portant  Rivers  running  in  different  directions  through 
so  large  and  fertile  a  tract  of  country. — 

This  letter  is  written  not  with  a  view  to  exculpate 
myself  from  any  suspicion  which  might  arise  of  my  not 
meaning  to  offer  you  an  equivalent  for  your  land,  that 
from  any  expectation  I  entertain  of  our  coming  to  a 
bargain,  for  it  can  hardly  be  supposed  that  I  would  al 
low  the  whole  of  my  lands  to  be  picked,  whilst  the  most 
valuable  part  of  yours  (or  your  sons)  is  reserved. — If 
however,  upon  reconsidering  the  matter  you  should  be 
disposed  to  let  the  island  go  with,  and  become  part  of 


248         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

the  exchanged  lands,  I  will,  on  my  part  (as  you  have 
expressed  a  wish  to  make  an  exchange)  consent  to  part 
with  my  lower  tract  on  the  Kanhawa  also ;  and  if  there 
is  any  likelihood  of  our  agreeing  on  a  just  proposition  of 
quantity  and  value  of  my  land  for  yours,  I  would  on 
some  early  day  which  you  may  name  (before  the  weath 
er  gets  cold)  ride  up  with  you  and  your  son  (for  I  shd. 
like  that  he  should  be  perfectly  satisfied  before  hand 
with  whatever  is  done)  and  look  at  your  Londoun 
lands  having  at  present  not  the  least  knowledge  of  the 
quality  of  them,  neither  from  investigation  or  infor 
mation,  and  because — which  I  frankly  declare  to  you 
previously  that  it  is  not  a  trifling  consideration  that 
wd.  induce  me  to  part  with  my  lower  tract  on  the 
Kanhawa  with  the  situation,  local  advantages,  quality 
and  value  of  which  I  have  formed  an  opinion — not 
from  information  but  from  my  own  accurate  view — 
not  from  information — but  from  my  own  accurate  view, 
having  been  on  it  three  or  four  days  and  hunted  from 
one  end  to  the  other  of  the  bottom. 

Your  answer  to  this  letter  will  at  once  decide  whether 
there  be  any  prospect  of  our  bargaining,  or  not  and  I 
should  thank  you  for  giving  it  to  me  as  soon  as  it  is 
convenient. 

I  am  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  DANL.  MCCARTY. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  6th.  Novr.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Since  writing  to  you  a  few  days  ago  I  have  been 
favoured  with  your  letters  of  the  26th.  and  3oth.  Ulto. — 

If  you  should  have  occasion  to  write  to  Mr.  Parish  of 
Hamburg,  you  would  oblige  me  by  thanking  him  in  my 
behalf,  for  his  very  polite  &  friendly  offer  of  sending  me 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  249 

anything  I  might  have  occasion  for  from  that  place. — 
It  would  be  more  formal  than  necessary,  to  introduce 
Mr.  Bucknall  Orchardist  to  the  Philosophical  Society 
of  Philadelphia  otherwise  than  through  you. — If  then 
you  will  be  so  good  as  to  relate  the  manner  in  which  it 
came,  &  present  it  with  my  best  respects  to  that  body, 
I  will  thank  you. — With  very  great  esteem  &  regard, 
I  am — Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
COLO.  TIMOTHY  PICKERING. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  6th.  Nov.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favour  of  the  2d.  ulto.  with  its  enclosure  came 
duly  to  hand,  and  I  feel  myself  very  much  obliged  by 
the  favorable  footing  on  which  you  have  placed  mat 
ters  with  Colo.  Shreve. — These  are  perfectly  satis 
factory  to  me  and  of  which  I  should  have  informed  you 
sooner  had  I  not  supposed  that  the  most  certain  though 
perhaps  not  the  quickest  way  of  making  it  known  to 
you  would  be  to  lodge  my  letter  in  Philadelphia  against 
your  arrival  there. — This  I  am  about  to  do  in  the  hands 
of  Colo.  Pickering. — Whatever  mode,  under  the  de 
rangements  occasioned  by  the  sore  calamity  which  has 
afflicted  that  City,  you  shall  find  most  convenient  to 
yourself,  will  be  agreeable  to  me,  for  depositing  the 
same  in  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  which  has  been  paid 
you  by  Colo.  Shreve  on  my  acct.  but  it  might  not  be 
amiss  to  add  that  the  $500  have  been  paid  into  that 
Bank  for  my  use,  no  advice  of  it  has  been  given  to  me. 

I  am  perfectly  convinced  that  your  observations  and 
opinion  with  respect  to  the  most  advantageous  mode — 
to  wit — laying  off  my  lands  on  the  Ohio  into  lots  of 
about  200  acres  is  correct,  and  the  best  way  to  make  the 
most  of  them. — The  reasons  which  have  weighed  against 


250 


LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 


it  hitherto  with  me,  are  first  it  is  troublesome,  sd, 
may  be  tedious  in  its  operation  and  3d.  my  object  being 
to  convert  the  Land  aggregately  into  money,  on  some 
kind  of  stock  that  I  might  derive  a  convenience  &  bene 
fit  from  the  interest  during  the  short  stay  which  from 
the  natural  course  of  things  I  have  to  remain  here,  the 
end  would  not  be  answered  in  a  retail  way  without,  in  a 
manner,  sinking  the  capital. — But  as  you  have  been  so 
good  as  to  mention  this  mode  will  you  permit  me  to  ask 
what  you  think  what  the  land  would  sell  for  by  the  acre 
divided  in  the  manner  you  suggest — and  whatever 
there  is  within  your  view,  any  person  in  whom  con 
fidence  could  be  placed  as  an  Agent  to  manage  this 
business,  who  has  sense  and  inclination  to  undertake  it 
for  an  adequate  compensation? 

I  wish  you  an  agreeable  Session  and  perfect  unan 
imity  in  all  great  questions  which  involve  the  dignity, 
honor  and  interest  of  our  Country. — With  very  sincere 
esteem  &  regard, 

I  am — Dear  Sir 
Your  Obedient  and  Very  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To   the   HONBLE.  JAMES  ROSS. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i3th.  Nov.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  running  off  of  my  cook,  has  been  a  most  incon 
venient  thing  to  this  family ;  and  what  renders  it  more 
disagreeable,  is,  that  I  had  resolved  never  to  become 
the  master  of  another  slave  by  purchase,  but  this  resol 
ution  I  fear  I  must  break. — 

I  have  endeavoured  to  hire,  black  or  white,  but  am 
not  yet  supplied. — A  few  days  ago  having  occasion  to 
write  to  Mr.  Bushrod  Washington  on  other  matters,  I 
asked  if  one  could  be  had  in  Richmond, — the  following 
is  his  answer. — 


oc 

2 

P4 

o 
5 

M 

II 


1  1 

OJ 


§ 
H  a 

o 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  251 

Mr.  Brooke  (late  Governor)  informs  me  that  he  had  a 
very  excellent  cook,  with  no  other  fault  than  a  fondness 
for  liquor  (which  often  afforded  him  too  many  oppor 
tunities  of  indulging)  who  is  now  in  Fredericksburg, 
and  is  to  be  sold. — I  shall  write  to  the  Gentleman  who 
has  him  not  to  sell  him  till  he  hears  from  you.  Should 
you  under  this  character  wish  to  buy,  or  hire  him,  please 
address  a  letter  to  Mr.  George  Murray  of  that  place. — 
He  cooked  for  Mr.  Brooke  "  while  he  was  in  the  Govern 
ment.  " 

Let  me  ask  you  now,  to  see  both  Mr.  Murray  &  the 
man  himself  and  if  upon  conversing  fully  with  the  latter 
you  should  be  of  opinion  (from  the  account  he  gives  of 
himself)  that  he  is  a  good  cook,  and  would  answer  my 
purposes  then  discover  the  lowest  terms  on  which  he 
could  be  had  by  purchase  or  on  hire;  &  inform  me  of 
the  result  by  the  first  Post  so  that  an  answer  shall  be 
immediately  given. — 

I  should  like  to  know  the  age  and  as  far  as  you  are 
enabled  to  ascertain  it,  the  temper  &  looks  of  the  man 
described. — whether  he  has  a  wife,  and  expects  to 
have  her  along  with  him — and  in  that  case,  what 
children  they  have  with  her  age  &  occupation. — By  the 
time  I  can  receive  an  answer  from  you  I  expect  Mrs. 
Forbes  who  was  Genl.  Brooks  housekeeper  will  be  here 
as  my  housekeeper ;  and  from  her  own  knowledge  of  the 
person,  and  your  account  I  shall  be  enabled  to  determine 
what  answer  to  give. — Our  loves  to  Mrs.  Lewis  &ca. 
I  am — Your  affecte.  Uncle 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MAJR.  GEORGE  LEWIS. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  28th.  Nov.,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  lately  received  a  letter  from  a  Mr.  Small  of 
Philadelphia,  informing  me  that  the  coach  I  used  in  the 


252         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

city  was  yet  unsold, — that  it  was  accumulating  ex- 
pence, — and  not  more  than  two  hundred  dollars  had 
been  offered  for  it,  when,  according  to  his  acct.  $300 
was  the  value  fixed  thereon. 

I  intended  to  have  sent  his  letter  to  you,  but  it  has 
been  mislaid,  or  lost — I  shall  beg  the  favour  of  you, 
however,  to  sell,  or  cause  it  to  be  sold,  for  whatever  it 
will  fetch. — Who  limited  the  price  to  $300  I  know  not, 
but  took  it  for  granted  that  it  had  been  disposed  of 
many  a  day  ago. — Receive,  and  place  the  proceeds  to 
the  credit  of 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedient  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  CLEMENT  BIDDLE. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  26th  Feby.,  1798. 
Dear  Sir, 

When  you  were  here  last,  I  informed  you  that  from 
the  reputation  which  the  College  at  Annapolis  had,  I 
was  most  inclined  under  every  view  I  could  take  of  the 
case,  to  send  Washington  to  that  Seminary ;  and,  ac 
cordingly,  had  requested  Mr.  George  Carteret  (who 
informed  me  that  he  was  going  to  that  city)  to  converse 
with  the  President  of  the  College  on  the  subject  & 
make  other  enquiries  and  to  acquaint  me  with  the 
result. — 

Enclosed  I  transmit  his  letter. — It  wd.  have  been 
more  pleasing,  and  much  to  have  been  desired  to  have 
got  Washington  "fixed  in  the  house  with  Mr.  McDow 
ell  ;  but  this  it  seems  cannot  be,  for  reasons  assigned  by 
that  Gentleman. — I  think,  notwithstanding,  that  he 
had  best  go  there,  as,  from  all  accounts  there  is  less  of 
that  class  of  people  which  are  baneful  to  youth,  in  that 
City,  than  in  any  other,  from  the  nature  of  its  com 
position,  and  strictness  of  its  Police — according  to  Mr. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  253 

Cal vert's  account, — and  for  another  reason  also  seeing 
(as  he  confesses  he  has)  what  effect  his  misconduct 
has  had  upon  his  friends  Pride,  when  classed  with  other 
students  will  operate  in  addition  thereto,  a  more  pow 
erful  stimulus,  than  it  would  in  lonely,  solitary  reading 
&  studies,  by  himself. 

If  he  was  to  get  to  Alexandria,  his  studies  must  be 
conducted  at  the  Academy, — or  in  his  own  chamber. — 
The  first,  after  coming  from  a  large  &  celebrated  college 
he  would  consider  as  degrading  &  in  the  other  case  (be 
ing  left  alone)  he  would  attend  very  little  to  them  while 
Mr.  Moffat  was  discharging  the  trust  reposed  in  him  at 
the  Academy.— To  expect  after  devoting  the  appro 
priate  hours  to  his  school  boys  that  he  wd.  apply  much 
of  the  residue  to  Washington  is  what  he  would  not  per 
form,  strictly,  was  he  to  promise  it. — And  besides,  from 
the  information  I  have  been  enabled  to  obtain,  the 
young  People  (those  keeper  clerks  chiefly)  are  idle,  dis 
sipated  and  extravagant. — Acquaintances  with  some  of 
these  would  be  soon  formed,  and  the  consequences  not 
difficult  to  predict. — From  good  authority  I  am  in 
formed  that  many  of  them  spend  in  Taverns  more  than 
their  wages  amount  to. — The  deficiency  must  be  sup 
plied  in  some  way  or  another. — 

With  respect  to  his  (Washington's)  remaining  at  this 
place,  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  from  the  experience  of 
the  last  few  months  that  he  has  been  here,  that  even 
under  the  constant  care  of  a  more  illumined  Preceptor 
than  I  am  sure  there  is  the  least  chance  of  obtaining, 
he  would  progress  very  little,  and  as  the  case  now  is, 
that  he  will  forget  what  he  does  know,  so  inert  is  his 
mind. — 

He  takes  Alexandria  in  his  way  to  Hope  Park  to  pro 
vide  himself  with  such  clothes  as  would  be  necessary. — 
At  what  time  they  must  be  ready  otherwise  than  by 
promise,  The  suggestion  of  your  accompanying  Wash- 


254        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

ington  to  Annapolis  is  contained  in  Mr.  Cal vert's  letter 
&  coincides  perfectly  with  my  ideas  of  the  utility  of  the 
measure. — If  it  be  convenient  &  agreeable  to  you  to 
undertake  the  journey,  you  shall  be  informed  when  he 
is  ready  to  commence  it,  or,  if  there  could  be  any  depen 
dence  upon  the  Tayler  he  could  inform  you  himself. — 
If  you  cannot  go,  I  will  ask  Mr.  Lear  to  do  it,  but  this 
will  not  answer  as  well — in  either  case  the  expense  will 
be  mine. — 

Mrs.  Washington  has  a  very  bad  cold,  the  rest  of  the 
family  at  home  as  as  usual. — Best  wishes  to  Mrs. 
Stuart  and  all  with  you. 

I  am  Dr.  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  &  Affecte. 
To  DAVID  STUART,  Esqr.  G.  WASHINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i7th.  Mar.,  1798. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  28th.  Ulto.  came  safe  but  was 
some  time  longer  than  might  have  been  expected,  on 
its  way. — 

As  I  think  your  charge  for  the  prescription  &  applica 
tion  to  Christopher  (my  servant)  who  was  supposed  to 
be  bitten  by  a  mad  dog,  is  a  very  reasonable  one,  I  send 
you  enclosed  a  five  dollar  bank  note  of  Alexandria 
(having  no  other  paper  money  by  me)  without  enquir 
ing  whether  your  not  having  received  four  dollars  be 
fore,  proceeded  from  the  neglect  of  the  Servant,  or  any 
other  person. — 

Christopher  continues  to  do  well,  &  I  believe  is  now 
free  from  apprehension  of  any  bad  consequences  from 
the  bite. — I  shall  beg  to  be  informed  of  your  receipt  of 
this  letter,  being  unwilling  that  you  should  go  unpaid. — 
I  am  Sir" 

Your  Very  Hble.   Servant, 
To  DOCTR.  STORY.  G.  WASHINGTON. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  255 

MOUNT  VERNON,  226..  June,  1798. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  am  not  disposed  to  withdraw  your  attention  from 
more  important  matters ; — or  to  be  troublesome  in  any 
degree; — or  to  press  my  correspondence  upon  you.— 
But  not  having  even  heard  whether  my  letter  of  which 
the  enclosed  is  taken,  from  a  press  copy  ever  reached 
your  hands,  am  induced  to  make  the  enquiry. — 

I  wish  also  to  know  what  has  been  done  with  a  letter 
of  mine,  put  under  cover  to  you  (early  in  March  last) 
to  be  forwarded,  or  suppressed  at  your  discretion,  to  a 
Mr.  John  Parkes  who  exhibited  Proposals  to  the  Pub 
lic,  for  compiling  a  complete  edition  of  all  the  Journals 
of  Congress,  from  the  earliest  period  of  them  down  to 
the  present  day? — With  respect — I  am —  Dear  Sir 
Your  Obedient  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  JAMES  McHENRY. 

MOUNT  VERNON  i6th  July  1798 
Sir, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  i2th.  Instant, 
and  thank  you  for  your  offer  of  becoming  one  of  my 
Aids-de-Camp. 

I  have  consented  to  accept  the  appointment  to 
which  my  country  has  been  pleased  to  call  me,  with 
the  reservation  not  to  quit  my  private  walks  until 
the  army  is  in  a  situation  to  require  my  presence,  or 
it  becomes  indispensable  by  the  urgency  of  circum 
stances. — 

Until  one,  or  the  other  of  these  periods  shall  have 
arrived,  I  shall  make  no  actual  appointment  of  my 
Aids; — and  as  circumstances  and  a  variety  of  con 
siderations  are  required  in  regulating  my  choice,  I 
must  remain  perfectly  free  and  unengaged  till  then 
unless  it  should  otherwise  happen  in  a  public  interest. 


256        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

Intoxicated  and  lost  as  the  French  seem  to 
our  principle  of  Justice,  I  yet  hope  that  they  will 
pause  before  they  proceed  further. — That  they  have 
been  misled — and  have  made  calculations  on  false 
ground,  that  equivocal  decorating  of  the  People  on 
whose  support  their  plan  has  been  formed)  to  support 
Independence  of  the  Government  of  their  having 
at  every  hazard  sufficiently  evinced. — When  to  this 
happy  circumstance,  the  issue  then  is  added,  &  fully 
made  known  to  them  I  can  hardly  conceive  (although 
I  think  them  capable  of  any  thing  that  is  unjust  and 
dishonourable)  that  they  will  attempt  a  serious  In 
vasion  of  this  Country. — At  the  same  time  the  highest 
possible  obligation  rests  upon  the  Country  to  be 
prepared  for  the  events  as  they  may  affect  our  means 
to  avert  the  evil. — With  esteem 

I  am  Sir — Your  most  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
MR.  JAS.  MARSHALL. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  5th  Aug.,  1798. 
My  dear  Sir, 

My  present  want  of  a  riding  horse  is  great, — but  if 
I  should  be  called  to  the  field  it  will  be  much  greater. 

As  I  am  much  out  of  the  way  of  seeing,  or  hearing  of 
such  as  would  answer  my  purposes — especially  in  the 
latter  case — and  know  that  you  are  a  good  judge  of 
the  parts,  and  general  symmetry  of  a  horse  of  figure. 
You  would  do  me  a  favour  if  such  a  one  as  hits  your  own 
taste  should  fall  in  your  way  to  buy  him  for  me. — The 
cost  to  be  paid  on  delivery. — 

In  age,  I  should  not  be  willing  to  exceed  Seven  years — 
eight  at  most — younger,  but  not  under  four  last  Spring 
would  be  better. — For  colour,  I  will  not  contend,  but 
would  prefer  a  perfect  white, — a  dapple  grey — a  deep 
bay — a  chestnut — a  black  in  the  order  they  are  men- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  257 

tioned. — The  size  &  strength  must  be  equal  to  my 
weight,  which  without  the  saddle  may  be  estimated  at 
210  Ibs. — Being  long  legged,  or  tall  would  be  no  re 
commendation,  as  it  adds  nothing  to  strength,  but  a 
good  deal  to  the  convenience  in  mounting. — 

Under  my  circumstances,  I  cannot  limit  you  in  sum ; 
but  shall  add  that  I  never  expected  to  be  Master  of  a 
riding  horse  that  was  almost  more  than  four  hundred 
dollars. — 

As  I  have  no  idea  that  Mr.  David  Randolph  (being  on  a 
journey)  would  would  have  parted  with  the  horse  he 
thought  might  have  suited  me,  I  took  but  little  notice 
of  him ;  which  I  have  been  sorry  for  since  and  he  is  not 
within  reach  now.  I  asked  him  however  what  such  a 
horse  would  cost,  he  answered  four  hundred  dollars — 
that  fine  horses  were  scarce  &  dear. — Remember  us 
in  affectionate  terms  to  Mrs.  Fitzhugh  &  the  rest  of 
your  family,  and  believe  me  to  be  as  I  sincerely  am — 
always 

Yours 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  WILLM.  FITZHUGH.  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON  25th  Jany.  1799 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letters  of  the  nth.  of  May,  i6th.  of  July,  2oth. 
of  August,  and  loth,  of  October  are  all  before  me. — 
The  receipt  of  the  two  first  I  have  acknowledged;— 
but  as  my  letters  wch  travel  across  the  Atlantic  have 
not  been  fortunate  in  getting  to  their  address,  these 
may  have  shared  the  usual  fate. — Being  of  little 
importance,  however,  no  duplicate  was  sent  nor  copy 
taken : — Nor  is  it  at  all  material  now,  whether  they 
got  to  hand  or  not. — 

Your  letter  of  the  2oth.  of  August  found  me  in  Phila 
delphia,  whither  I  had  gone  at  the  request  of  the  Secre- 


258        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

tary  of  War,  to  aid  in  the  formation  of  the  New  Corps, 
about  to  be  raised ;  and  in  some  other  Military  arrange 
ments  which  were  necessary,  at  that  time,  to  be  ad 
justed  : — and  coming  in  the  nick  of  time,  your  then  wish 
to  engage  in  a  Military  career  was  attended  to,  and  you 
were  accordingly,  appointed  to  the  Command  of  an 
Infantry  Company,  in  the  first  Regiment  of  Virginia, 
to  be  Commanded  by  Colo.  Thomas  Parker  of  Freder 
ick,  which  has  been  rendered  valid  by  the  President 
and  Senate  since. — 

The  business  which  carried  me  to  Philadelphia, 
detained  me  in  that  City  from  the  loth,  of  Novr.  until 
the  1 4th.  of  Deer.,  and  occasioned  an  absence  from 
home  of  near  Seven  weeks,  during  which  time  I  was 
so  much  occupied  as  not  to  be  able  to  give  you  advice 
of  this  occurrence;  and  soon  after  my  return,  your 
letter  of  the  loth,  of  October  came  to  hand  informing 
me  of  your  having  been  received  into  the  family  of  Mr. 
King,  as  his  Secretary. — 

You  have  now,  I  presume  the  option  of  remaining 
there,  or  of  accepting  the  Commission  before  mentioned. 
— In  the  choice  of  which  you  have  your  own  inclination, 
&  some  other  considerations  to  consult. — Both  are  at 
tended  with  uncertainties,  but  which  most  so,  is  not 
easy  to  decide. — The  augmented  Corps,  in  which  you  are 
appointed,  are  by  law,  to  exist  no  longer  than  the  dis 
pute  with  France  shall  continue;  but  how  long  this 
will  be,  will  require  more  wisdom  than  I  possess  to  fore 
tell; — and  you  know,  without  information  from  me, 
what  a  bugbear  a  standing  army  (as  a  few  Regiments 
with  us  are  called,  though  liable  to  be  disbanded  at 
any  moment,  by  withholding  the  appropriation  for  yr. 
support)  is,  in  the  eyes  of  all  those  who  are  continually 
raising  Spectres  &  Hobgoblins  to  affrighten  themselves, 
and  alarm  the  People : — and  how  certain  it  is  that  ours 
(with  their  consent)  will  not  exist  a  momt.  longer  than 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  259 

it  can  be  avoided  by  their  endeavors;  whether  the 
cause  which  gave  rise  to  it  ceases,  or  not.  Of  the  pros 
pect  before  you  in  the  Diplomatic  line,  you  are  as  com 
petent  to  judge  of  it  as  I  am ; — But,  as  it  is  probable 
the  Commission  will  be  held  for  you,  until  your  determi 
nation  is  known,  no  time  should  be  lost  in  announcing 
it  to  me,  or  at  the  War  office. 

Lawrence  Lewis  is  appointed  a  Capt.  in  the  Corps  of 
light  Dragoons;  but  before  he  enters  the  Camp  of 
Mars,  he  is  to  engage  in  that  of  Venus  with  Nellie  Custis 
on  22nd.  of  next  month;  they  having,  while  I  was  in 
Philadelphia,  without  my  having  the  smallest  sus 
picion  that  such  an  affair  was  in  agitation,  formed  their 
Contract  for  this  purpose — Washington  Craik  is  ap 
pointed  a  Lieutenant  in  the  said  Corps,  &  Washington 
Custis  is  made  Cornet  in  Lewis's  Troop;  for  it  was 
found  impracticable  to  keep  him  longer  at  College  with 
any  prospect  of  advantage;  so  great  was  his  aversion 
to  study;  tho'  adicted  to  no  extra vagent  or  vicious 
habits, — but  from  mere  indolence,  &  a  deriliction  to 
exercise  the  powers  of  his  mind,  and  those  talents  with 
which  nature  had  blessed  him: — The  Army  generally 
will  be  very  respectably  officered : — 

The  General  Assembly  of  this  State  is  in  Command, 
by  the  account  of  its  proceedings  scanning  into  every 
kind  of  opposition  to  the  measures  of  the  General 
government,  and  on  the  extra  vagent  Resolutions  which 
folly  can  devise ; — in  what  they  will  issue,  it  is  difficult 
to  say. — 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  your  brother  John 
Dandridge  is  no  more.  He  paid  the  debt  of  Nature  a 
few  days  since ;  after  having  (as  we  have  been  informed) 
been  in  bad  health  for  some  time. 

Your  Aunt,  who  is  as  well  as  usual,  and  Nelly  Custis 
(Washington,  however,  is  from  home)  unite  with  me 
in  every  good  wish  for  you ;  and  with  thanks  for  your 


26o        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

offer  of  rendering  me  any  services  in  your  power,  I 
remain 

Dr  Sir— Your  Affece.  friend  &  Servt. 

G.    WASHINGTON. 

Present  me  respectfully  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  King. 
BARTHW.  DANDRIDGE,  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  6  Feby.,  1799. 
My  dear  Sir, 

By  the  ship  Nancy  from  London,  just  arrived  at  Al 
exandria  I  have  received  four  copies  of  the  Prints  of 
the  deaths  of  Montgomery  &  Warren  (the  number  of 
sets  I  presume  I  subscribed  for)  sent  me  by  your 
brother. — 

It  is  my  wishes  to  make  him  a  remittance  agreeable 
to  the  terms  of  the  subscription  but  having  taken  no 
copy  of  it  not  being  able  to  recollect  what  is  to  pay, 
must  be  my  apology  for  troubling  you  with  this  letter — 
presuming  that  the  original  Paper  or  a  copy  thereof 
might  have  been  left  with  you,  and  moreover,  that  you 
may  be  empowered  to  receive  from  the  subscribers  in 
the  United  States  the  amount  of  their  subscriptions,  in 
which  case,  upon  receiving  the  advice,  I  shall,  instead 
of  making  the  remittance  of  mine  to  London,  transmit 
it  to  you. — 

Whether  anything  was  to  have  been  paid  in  advance, 
&  whether  in  that  case  I  paid  mine  is  more  than  I  can 
decide  without  a  resort  for  the  letter  to  my  Papers  from 
Philadelphia  which  are  yet  to  be  unpacked,  and  ar 
ranged. 

By  a  paper  accompanying  the  Prints  of  Montgom 
ery  &  Warren  the  other  part  of  the  original  design  is 
suspended,  on  account  of  the  peculiarity  of  the  times. 

As  I  shall  not  write  Brothr.  Trumball  until  I  hear 
from  you,  the  sooner  you  can  make  it  convenient  to  give 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  261 

me  the  information  herein  required,  the  more  agreeable 
it  will  be. — 

I  enquire  frequently  after  you,  &  with  pleasure  hear 
always  that  you  enjoy  good  health. — Mrs.  Washing 
ton  who  is  as  well  as  usual,  &  Molly  Custis  who  on  my 
birthday  (the  226.  instant)  will  change  her  name  to 
that  of  Lewis)  a  nephew  of  mine,  and  brother  to  those 
who  lived  with  me  in  New  York  &  Philadelphia  unite  in 
best  wishes  &  respectful  compliments  to  Mrs.  Trum- 
ball  &  yourself  with 

My  dear  Sir 

Yr.  Most  Obedt.  &  Affecte.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  His  EXCELLY.  JONATHAN  TRUMBALL. 

MOUNT  VERNON  26th  Feby.  1799 
Sir, 

The  Columbian  Alphabet  which  you  were  so  polite  as 
to  send  me,  came  safe,  and  for  which  I  pray  you  to 
accept  my  thanks. — It  is  curious,  and  if  it  could  be 
introduced,  might  be  useful  for  the  purposes  proposed ; 
but  it  will  be  a  work  of  time,  it  is  to  be  feared,  before 
it  will  be  adopted  generally. 
I  am  Sir 

Your  most  Obedt.  Hble  Servant 
G.  WASHINGTON 
MR.  JAMES  EWING. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  28th.  Feb.,  1799. 
Der.  Sir, 

The  letter  with  which  you  were  pleased  to  favour  me, 
dated  the  first  instant  accompanying  in  your  thanks 
giving  Sermon  came  duly  to  hand. — 

For  the  latter  I  pray  you  to  accept  my  thanks. — I 
have  read  it,  and,  the  Appendix  with  pleasure;  and, 
with  the  latter  at  least,  could  meet  a  more  general  cir- 


262        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

culation  than  it  probably  will  have,  for  it  contains  im 
portant  information,  as  little  known  out  of  a  small 
circle  as  the  detrimentation  of  it  would  be  useful,  if 
spread  through  the  Community. — 
With  great  respect, 

I  am — Revd.  Sir, 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Servant, 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  REVD.  MR.  JEDIDIAH  MORSE. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  Mar.  i,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  been  duly  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the 
nth  ulto.  from  Roxbury,  accompanying  your  Memoirs 
of  the  American  War;  which  I  accept,  and  dare  say 
beforehand  shall  read,  with  pleasure,  as  soon  as  the 
bustle  in  which  we  now  are  engaged  at  the  Wedding  of 
our  Granddaughter  Miss  Custis  is  over. — 

If  in  doing  it,  occasion  should  be  found  to  make  any 
observations  thereon,  I  shall  avail  myself  of  the  lib 
erty  you  allow  me,  to  express  my  sentiments  with  the 
utmost  candour  and,  freedom. — In  the  meanwhile,  I 
pray  you  to  accept  my  best  thanks  for  the  testimony  of 
your  friendship  and  politeness  in  sending  me  the  work 
so  elegantly  bound — Mrs.  Washington  is  thankful  for 
your  kind  remembrance  of  her. — and  with  great  esteem 
&  regard — I  am, 

Dr.  Sir, 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt., 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MAJR.  GENL.  WILLIAM  HEATH. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  3d.  Mar.,  1799. 
Sir, 

Mr.  Anderson  has  shown  me  your  letter  of  the  23d. 
ultimo,  to  him,  with  an  estimate  of  the  expence  of  build- 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  263 

ing  horse  mills,  differently  constructed. — For  the 
trouble  you  have  taken  in  this  business,  I  feel  myself 
very  much  obliged. 

A  Mill  grinding  from  15  to  20  bushl.  a  day,  with  two 
horses,  would  nearly,  if  not  entirely  answer  all  my  pur 
poses  ;  with  the  occasional  aid  of  the  water  mill  which 
in  the  driest  seasons,  grinds  a  little. 

For  this  reason  I  prefer  greatly  your  last  plan — 
namely — fixing  a  mill  to  one  of  the  threshing  machines 
now  erected ;  if  you  are  perfectly  satisfied  in  your  own 
mind  that  it  will  grind  according  to  your  estimate — 
even  the  smallest  quantity  that  is  15  bushl.  a  day — 
and  I  prefer  moreover  annexing  it  to  the  machine  at 
Union,  as  most  central  to  the  Farms,  &  more  conven 
ient  on  other  accounts. — 

Having  thus  determined,  I  am  now  to  request,  that 
you  will  purchase  the  best  pair  of  Cologn  stones  (men 
tioned  in  your  letter)  and,  if  anything  else  can  be  much 
better  prepared  at  Richmond  than  here,  to  provide  & 
send  the  whole  round  by  the  first  conveyance :  and  be 
ready  to  come  up  yourself  to  put  the  whole  together, 
so  soon  as  you  shall  be  advised  of  their  arrival. — 

Being  acquainted  with  the  abilities  of  my  tradesmen 
in  their  different  lines,  you  know,  of  course,  what  they 
are  capable  of  executing ; — and  as  materials  of  all  sorts 
(with  a  little  previous  notice)  can  be  provided,  and  in 
the  forwardness  you  may  direct,  on  the  spot,  I  am  per 
suaded  you  will  run  me  to  no  other  expence  to  obtain 
them  from  Richmond  than  shall  in  your  judgment,  be 
essential. — You  will  please  to  advise  me  of  the  time  I 
may  expect  you,  &  them, 

With  esteem — I  am  Sir — 

Your  Very  Hble.  Servt., 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  WILLIAM  BOOKER. 


264        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  lyth,  Mar.,  1799. 


Dear  Sir, 

In  April,  after  you  quit  the  Walks  of  Public  life 
(1797.)  I  agreed  with  one  George  Ball  for  the  Land  I 
held  in  Gloucester  County;  on  account  of  which,  he 
made  me  a  small  payment  of  £200,  or  thereabouts  ;  — 
was  to  have  paid  about  three  hundred  more  the  April 
following;  and  the  bale,  in  two  annual  instalments 
thereafter.  —  Since  which  I  have  never  seen  Mr.  Ball, 
nor  have  heard  from  him  on  this  subject.  —  And  what  is 
still  more  extraordinary,  I  do  not  know  whether  he 
removed  to  the  Land,  or  where  he  now  lives  ;  conse 
quently,  do  not  know  with  certainty  at  what  place  to 
direct  to  him.  — 

This,  my  good  Sir,  must  be  my  apology  for  giving  you 
the  trouble  of  the  enclosed;  in  order,  if  he  lives  in 
Gloucester  (on  the  land)  that  it  may  be  forwarded  to 
him  ;  —  if  not,  to  be  returned  to  —  Dr.  Sir 

Yr.  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant, 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To   JOHN  PAGE,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i8th,  Mar.,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

Colo.  Thos  Lee  (of  Londoun)  is  possessed,  I  am  in 
formed,  of  a  tract  of  about  400  acres  of  Land  within  a 
mile  of  Colchester,  which  he  is  disposed  to  sell.  — 

Let  me  request  the  favour  of  you  to  describe  it  to  me 
as  accurately  as  you  can  from  your  own  knowledge, 
or  from  the  information  of  others  on  whose  judgment 
you  can  rely.  —  & 

In  doing  this,  say  what  the  kind  &  quality  of  the  doil 
is;  —  whether  level  or  broken,  —  what  the  nature  of 
the  growth  is;  —  what  proportion  is  in  wood;  —  how 
timbered  ;  —  what  tenements  are  on  it  ;  —  the  condition 
of  them;  —  whether  much  worn  &  gullied,  or  in  good 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  265 

heart; — and  whether  they  are  tenants  at  Will  or  on 
leases,  &  what  kind  of  leases ; — with  the  kindof  improve 
ments. — How  watered  also. — 

To  this  catalogue  of  enquiries,  permit  me  to  ask, 
what,  in  your  opinion,  and  the  opinion  of  such  as  are 
acquianted  with  the  value  &  prices  of  land  in  that 
neighbourhood,  &  situated  as  it  is,  it  is  worth  in  cash — 
also  on  credit,  and  what  credit. — 

I  will  offer  no  apology  for  giving  you  the  trouble  to 
make  these  enquiries,  but  shall  thank  you  for  answering 
them;  as  I  have  an  object  in  requesting  this  kindness 
from  you — with  esteem 

I  am — Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedient  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  CAPTN.  WM.  THOMPSON. 


MOUNT  VERNON  i8th  Mar.  1799 

Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i5th.  Ulto.  came  duly  to  hand,  and 
I  feel  obliged  by  the  pains  you  were  at  to  obtain  gold 
thread  for  the  uniform  suit  you  were  requested  to  make 
and  forward  to  me. — I  am  perfectly  satisfied  that 
nothing  was  left  unattempted  on  your  part  to  comply 
with  my  order. 

This  article   (gold  thread)  being  expected  in  the 
Spring  Importations,  you  will  provide  what  is  good, 
and  have  the  suit  compleated  (by  skilful  workmen) 
agreeably  to  former  directions,  and  sent  in  the  manner 
required  in  my  last  letter. — 
I  am  Sir 
Your  Very  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  JAMES  McALPiN 


266        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON  25  Mar.  1799 
Dear  Sir, 

The  enclosed  came  under  cover  to  me  a  few  days  ago, 
and  not  knowing  into  whose  hands  better  to  place  it 
than  yours,  I  forward  it  to  you  accordingly. — 

The  doing  so,  furnishes  an  opportunity  of  condoling 
with  you  and  the  other  friends  of  Mr.  John  Dandridge, 
on  his  death ;  an  event  I  sincerely  regretted. — 

From  the  superscription,  I  know  the  enclosed  letter 
is  from  your  brother  Bartholomew ;  who,  no  doubt,  has 
therein  informed  of  his  present  situation;  should  I  be 
mistaken  however,  in  this  conjecture, — he  is  now  Secre 
tary  to  our  Minister  (Mr.  King)  in  London ; — a  Post  as 
honourable,  as  it  may  ultimately  prove  advantageous 
to  him  in  his  passage  through  life. — The  family  at  this 
place  are  all  well,  and  offer  you  there  best  wishes — 
With  esteem  I  am — Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedient  &  Hble.  Servant. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  JULIUS  DANDRIDGE. 

MOUNT  VERNON  ist.  July  1799 
Gentlemen, 

From  my  correspondent  in  Boston,  I  have  (within 
these  two  days)  received  the  bill  of  cost  of  Glass  shipped 
from  thence  for  my  use— viz— $250.13— and  am 
advised  that  the  amount  is  to  be  paid  to  your  house. 

Be  so  good  therefore  to  advise  me  whether  you  have 
any  acct.  in  Alexandria  to  whom  I  shall  pay  the 
money? — or  whether  you  would  prefer  having  it  re 
mitted  in  a  letter,  in  Bank  Notes  ?  as  there  is  no  person 
in  Baltimore  City  whom  I  give  the  trouble  of  doing 
business  for  Gentlemen 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MESSRS.  SOLOMON  COTTON  &  Co. 
MERCHT.  BALTIMORE. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  267 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2d.  July,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  25th  has  been  received; — but  you 
have  mistaken  the  case  entirely  with  respect  to  the 
Asses  who  were  sent  to  my  Jacks; — charging  you 
nothing  for  the  services  of  the  latter,  and  not  designed 
to  lay  you  under  obligation,  but  a  feeble  effort  to  repay 
the  kindnesses  you  have  heaped  upon  me. 

Colo.  Gilpin  has  forwarded  the  wrong  box  of  glass  to 
Baltimore,  and  soon  will,  I  hope,  receive  the  proper  one 
in  return. — 

Enclosed  is  a  check  on  the  Bank  of  Alexandria  for 
one  thousand  dollars  agreeably  to  the  demand  of  Mr. 
Blagden. — for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  expenses  in 
curred  on  my  buildings  in  the  Fedl.  City. 

With  very  great  esteen  &  regard.     I  am — Dear, 
Your  Obedt.  &  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

P.  S.     In  the  letter  accompanying  the  glass  from 
Boston — the  makers  say  "the  Glass  must  be  set  con 
vex  out. " 
To  WILLM.  THORNTON.  Esqr. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2ist.  July  1799 
Gentlemen, 

Enclosed  are  the  other  half  parts  of  the  two  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars  remitted  in  my  letter  of  the  loth, 
instant,  together  with  half  a  dollar  to  make  the  sum 
charged  for  the  glass  from  the  manufactury  at  Boston.- 

If  your  letter  of  the  i3th.  acknowledging  the  receipt 
of  that  from  me  dated  the  ist.  instant  which  had  been 
written  instead  on  the  loth,  which  contained  the  parts 
of  Bill,  had  taken  the  least  notice  of  the  contents  of  the 
letter,  all  doubt  of  their  having  reached  you  would 
have  ceased,  the  mistake  of  dates  notwithstanding. — 


268        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

You  will  please  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  this 
money  and  the  purpose  for  which  it  has  been  remitted 
by  Gentlemen 

Your    most    obedient    servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
SOLOMON  COTTON  &  Co. 

MOUNT  VERNON  yth  Augt.  1799 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  5th  instant  was  presented  to  me 
yesterday  on  my  way  home,  and  not  read  until  I 
reached  here. 

As  I  have  no  concern  in  publishing  my  letters  uncon 
nected  with  military  affairs,  so  it  it  neither  my  wish  or 
intention  to  interfere  with  them,  if  they  do  not  relate 
to  myself  personally. — I  have  neither  Doctor  Thornton's 
letter  nor  my  answer  to  it  before  me.  I  mean  to  ex 
press  no  sentiments  on  either ; — or  on  the  subject  to 
which  they  aluded,  further  than  that,  a  question  was 
asked  me  to  which  I  gave  an  answer  from  the  best  rec 
ollection  I  had  of  the  case. 

Because  you  have  requested,  and  inasmuch  as  I  had 
no  opportunity  of  dealing  therewith  while  I  was  in  the 
City,  I  now  enclose  your  letter  to  me  of  the  above  date 
to  the  Commissioners.  The  list  transmitted  us  you 
will  receive  under  this  cover. 

I  am — Sir — Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  GEO.  WALKER. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i4th.  Aug.,  1799. 
Sir, 

It  is  reported  &  generally  believed  that  the  Houses  I 
am  building  in  the  Federal  City  are  engaged  to  you. — 

To  your  having  the  houses  I  have  no  objection,  nor 
should  I  have  any  to  the  prevalance  of  the  report,  if  a 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  269 

specific  agreement  had  ever  taken  place. — But  as  this 
is  not  the  case,  and  until  it  happens  may,  &  doubtless 
will  be  injurious  to  me ;  Inasmuch  as  they  may  prevent 
applications  from  others,  it  has  become  necessary  that 
this  matter  should  be  clearly  understood. 

It  is  not  my  intention,  nor  is  it  my  wish,  on  the  one 
hand,  to  ask  an  unreasonable  rent : — on  the  other  hand, 
I  am  not  disposed  to  be  a  loser  by  these  buildings. — I 
have  made  the  best  enquiries  my  opportunities  have 
afforded,  into  the  expectations  of  others  with  respect  to 
Rents,  &  find  none  who  are  inclined  to  let  their  pro 
perty  in  the  Federal  City  or  anywhere  else  indeed,  for 
less  than  seven  &  an  half  pr.  cent  on  the  whole  expend 
iture  : — to  which  they  add  the  taxes  thereof  to  that  of 
Insurance  against  Fire. — Some,  I  am  told,  will  not  ac 
cept  of  this  as  an  equivalent  Rent,  because  it  will  give 
them  little  (if  any  more  they  say)  than  common  interest 
for  their  money ;  when  it  is  well  known  that  the  wear  & 
tare  if  houses  require  much  more. — 

Upon  the  terms,  however,  herementioned  (having  no 
pecuniary  inducement  to  build)  you  may  become  the 
occupant  of  my  lots  and  the  improvement  thereon  in 
the  Federal  City; — keeping  them  in  repair  as  is  cus 
tomary  ;  and  rests  with  you  to  say  yea,  or  nay,  to  make 
it  a  bargain  or  otherwise. — The  whole  amount  of  the 
cost  can,  &  shall  be  shown  to  the  minutest  fraction,  to 
whomsoever  is  disposed  to  acceded  to  these  terms; — 
because  the  prices  of  the  lots  are  known,  &  everything 
being  new,  the  business  ready,  &  can  easily  be  shown  to 
any  one. — 

You  may  reasonably,  &  justly  suppose  that  the  lots 
were  obtained  upon  the  best  terms,  because  building 
houses  w^ere  the  condition  thereof; — and  because  the 
materials  were  procured  without  credit,  for  I  pay  or 
demd.  for  them  &  the  Worksmen's  wages. — All  parts  of 
the  work  will  I  persuade  myself,  from  the  character  of 


2 7o        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

the  undertaker,  be  well  executed,  and   in  a  neat  & 
handsome  but  not  a  costly  style. — 

With  this  explanation  &  information  you  will  be  en 
abled  to  give  a  definitive  answer: — which  I  shall 
shortly  expect,  that  I  may  know  whether  to  consider 
you  as  a  Tenant  or  not. — One  of  the  Houses,  by  con 
tract  is  to  be  finished  in  November  next. — The  other  in 
March,  following. — 

I    am — Sir 

Yr.  Very  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  MR.  JOHN  FRANCIS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  1 7th  Aug.,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  loth  inst.  enclosing  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Veatch  of  the  7th.  instant,  came  duly  to  hand. — 
The  receipt  of  which  ought  to  have  been  sooner  acknow 
ledged  as  he  appears  to  be  waiting  directions. 

I  am  very  well  satisfied  with  the  Rents  of  my  part  of 
Woodstock  as  they  now  stand ; — but  if  you,  on  consult 
ing  Mr.  Veatch  should  be  of  opinion  that  they  could  be 
placed  on  a  better  footing  now,  or  at  any  time  hence,  it 
would  be  equally  agreeable  to  me  that  you  should  make 
the  attention  and  shall  be  confirmed  by. 

Dear  Sir 
Your  Most  Obedient  &  Obligd.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  FRANCIS  DEAKINS. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  27th.  Aug.,  1799. 
Sir, 

By  my  Servant  Tom,  I  was  favoured  with  your 
letter  of  the  2ist.  instant. 

I  am  persuaded  that  in  the  benefit  which  the  nature 
of  his  case  would  advise  he  has,  or  will  receive  from 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  271 

your  treatment  of  the  affliction  under  which  he  has 
been  and  if  it  is  incurable  he  must  be  satisfied  that  I 
have  neglected  nothing  to  restore  his  spirit  to  him. — 

It  was  an  imposition  to  ask  you  for  money,  for  I  gave 
him  more  than  sufficient  to  bear  his  expences  down  & 
up? — and  impudent  to  say  I  had  directed  it. — A  liberty 
I  never  should  have  thought  of. 

Your  charge  is  extraordinarily  moderate — and  the 
amount  is  herein  enclosed  by,  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedient  &  Humble  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  DOCTR.  WILLIAM  BAYNHAM. 

MOUNT  VERNON  28th.  Augt.  1799 
Gentlemen, 

Monday's  mail  brought  me  the  enclosed  letter  of  the 
22nd.  Instant  from  Colo.  Pickering. — 

As  it  is  more  in  your  line  than  in  mine,  to  give  it  the 
consideration  which  so  interesting  a  subject  merits  ;- 
and  as  the  field  (hitherto  so  little  cultivated)  refers  to 
the  adoption  of  any  plan  which  wisdom,  sound  policy 
&  foresight  may  dictate,  I  take  the  liberty  of  transmit 
ting  it  for  your  persual,  being  persuaded  that  the 
thought  of  any  intelligent  and  well  disposed  person  on 
a  point  of  such  importance  to  the  wellbeing  of  a  City 
which  is  designated  to  be  the  seat  of  Empire,  cannot  be 
illy  received  by  you. 

With  great  esteem  and  regard 
I  am  Gentlemen 

Your  Most  Obedt.   Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
THE  COMMISSIONERS 

of  the  FEDERAL  CITY. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  29th.  Aug.,  1799- 
Mr.  Roberts, 

I  have  been  much  disappointed  in  not  seeing  you 


27 2        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

according  to  promise — and  more  so  from  your  silence. 

My  Miller's  time  as  I  informed  you  would  be  the  case, 
expired  the  i2th.  of  this  month;  but  rather  than  leave 
my  mill  to  the  care  of  negros,  he  has  consented  to  re 
main  until  this  time ;  &  will  do  so  until  the  day  after 
tomorrow,  when  he  has  engaged  a  waggon  to  remove 
him  &  his  things  to  the  place  to  which  he  is  going — 
many  miles  from  hence. — 

I  request  to  hear  from  you  immediately,  for  it  is 
better  to  know  the  worst  of  a  thing,  than  to  be  held  in 
suspence.  I  remain 

Your  friend 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To   MR.  WILLM.  ROBERTS. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2QthAugt.  1799. 
Revd.  Sir, 

I  have  been  duly  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  2oth 
instant  accompanying  "The  Philanthropist." 

For  your  politeness  in  sending  the  latter,  I  pray  you 
to  receive  my  best  thanks. — Much  indeed  is  it  to  be 
wished  that  the  sentiments  contained  in  the  Pamphlet, 
and  the  doctrine  it  endeavors  to  inculcate,  were  more 
prevalent. — Happy  would  it  be  for  this  country  at  least, 
if  they  were  so. — But  while  the  passions  of  mankind  are 
under  so  little  restraint  as  they  are  among  us. — and 
while  there  are  so  many  motives  &  views,  to  bring 
them  into  action  we  may  wish  for,  but  will  never  see  the 
accomplishment  of  it. — With  respect — I  am-Revd.  Sir 
Your  Most  Obedt.  &  Hble.  Servant 

G.  Washington. 
To  REVD.  MR.  MASON  LOCKE  WEEMS 

MOUNT  VERNON,  3oth.  Aug.,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

Although  I  have  more  than  a  sufficient  deposit  in  the 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  273 

Bank  of  Alexandria  take  up  my  note,  yet,  as  I  know 
also  that  there  will  befalls  upon  me  that  may  not  con 
veniently  answered  without  that  aid ; — I  have  thought 
it  advisable  (as  the  60  days  has,  or  is  about  to  expire) 
to  renew  it : — and  will  thank  you  for  taking  the  neces 
sary  steps,  to  effect  it  accordingly. — With  very  great 
esteem  and  regard — I  am  Dear  Sir — 

Your  Most  Obedt.  &  Affecte.  Servt. 
To  WILLM.  HERBERT,   Esq.  G.    WASHINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  ist.  Septr.,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  with  its  enclosure,  was  not  received  until 
after  candlelight  last  night ; — owing,  I  presume,  to  my 
not  having  sent  to  the  Post  Office  on  Friday: — rarely 
sending  oftener  than  every  other  day,  for  my  letters 
&  Papers. — 

I  have  put  my  name  to  the  enclosed  note,  although 
it  ought  to  have  been  at  the  Bank  yesterday ;  to  be 
returned,  or  destroyed,  as  circumstances  require. — 

This  business  of  borrowing  and  discount  (as  you  will 
perceive)  I  am  quite  a  novice  in. — What  I  meant  by 
renewing  my  note,  was  no  more  than,  instead  of  taking 
it  up,  by  applying  so  much  of  my  deposit  in  Bank  to 
this  purpose  in  payment  thereof  to  let  it  remain — so  as 
that,  this  sum  might  be  at  my  command,  whether  I 
adopted  proper  means  to  effect  this  end,  you  are  the 
best  judge. — 

It  is  quite  immaterial  to  me,  whether  the  discount 
was  made  last  week — this  week  or  the  nest — provided 
all  things  are  right  with  respect  to  the  old  note ;  which 
being  for  Sixty  days  I  know  ought  to  be  paid  at  the  end 
thereof,  or  renewed. — With  this  explanation  of  my  in 
tentions  you  will  please  to  have,  or  cause  to  be  done, 
what  is  proper  on  my  part  that  I  may  not  be  brought 
into  any  unpleasant  predicament  at  the  Bank. — 


274        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

It  is  far  from  my  intention,  or  wish,  to  saddle  you  with 
the  expence  of  stamps,  and  therefore  pray  to  be  charged 
with  their  cost,  and  to  be  told  where,  &  in  what 
manner  I  can  be  provided  with  others. — With  very 
great  esteem — I  am — Dear  Sir 

Yr.  Most  Obedt.  &  Affecte.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON* 
To   WILLM.  HERBERT,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  ist.  Septr.   1799 
Sir, 

I  have  been  duly  honoured  with  your  favor  of  the 
1 3th.  of  April  from  Falmouth  accompanying  what  I 
presuade  myself  will  (when  opened)  be  found  to  be,  a 
very  fine  Cheese;  as  all  which  I  have  had  from  you 
have  proved. 

For  this  additional  evidence  of  your  kind,  and  polite 
attention  to  me,  I  pray  you  to  accept  my  gratitude  and 
thanks. — 

Unsuccessful  in  my  first  attempt  to  get  a  few  (Vir 
ginia)  Hams  to  you  I  am  making  another  trial — through 
the  medium  of  Messrs.  Thompson  &  Veitch — and  hope 
they  will  meet  with  a  better  fate  than  the  last. — 

For  your  obliging  wishes  respecting  me  I  feel  very 
sensible. — I  reciprocate  them  cordially — and  am 
Sir 

Your  obliged  and 

MostObed.  Hble.  Servt. 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  WM.  HAMBLY. 

MOUNT  VERNON  Septr.  ist.   1799 
Sir, 

I  have  duly  received  your  letter  of  the  i2th.  of 
August,  together  with  the  Oration  delivered  by  you 
in  Boston  on  the  i7th.  of  July. — 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  275 

I  thank  you  for  the  very  flattering  sentiments  which 
you  have  expressed  in  your  letter  respecting  myself, 
and  I  consider  your  sending  me  your  Oration  as  a 
mark  of  polite  attention  which  demands  my  best 
acknowledgment; — and  I  pray  you  will  be  assured, 
that  I  am  never  more  gratified  than  when  I  see  the 
effusions  of  genius  from  some  of  the  rising  generation, 
which  promises  to  secure  our  National  rank  in  the 
literary  world,  and  trust  their  firm,  manly  and  patriotic 
conduct  will  ever  maintain  it  with  dignity  in  the 
Political. 

I  am  Sir 

Very  respectfully 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  THOMAS  (afterward  Robert  Treat)  PAINE 

MOUNT  VERNON  nth.  Sep.   1799 
Dear  Sir, 

The  2oth.  of  this  month — when  Mr.  Blagden  would 
require  an  advance  of  a  thousand  dollars — being  near 
at  hand — and  Mr.  (Thomas)  Peter  affording  a  good  and 
safe  opportunity  to  remit  it — I  enclose  for  this  purpose 
a  check  on  the  Bank  of  Alexandria,  to  that  amount. 

Mr.  Peter  informs  me  that  his  brother has 

Ironmongery  of  a  good  quality,  which  he  wants  to 
dispose  of,  and  would  sell  cheap. — I  pray  you  therefore 
to  inform  Mr.  Blagden  of  this  circumstance, — request 
him  to  examine  it, — and  if  of  the  kind  &  quality  he 
requires  &  to  be  had  on  good  terms  to  supply  himself 
therefrom,  and  at  the  foot  of  the  Invoice  to  draw  upon 
me  for  the  amount;  which  shall  be  immediately  paid. 
With  great  esteem  &  regard 

I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Servt. 
WILLM.  THORNTON  Esqr.  G.  WASHINGTON. 


276        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT  VERNON  226..  Sepr.  1799 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i6th.  instt.  has  been  received, 
informing  me  of  the  death  of  my  brother. 

The  death  of  near  relatives  always  produce  awful, 
and  affecting  emotions,  under  whatsoever  circum 
stances  it  may  happen. — That  of  my  brother's  has 
been  so  long  expected, — and  his  later  days  so  uncom 
fortable  to  himself,  must  have  prepared  all  around 
him  for  the  stroke,  though  painful  in  the  effect. 

I  was  the  first  and  now  the  last  of  my  father's 
Children  by  the  second  marriage  who  remain. — When 
I  will  be  called  upon  to  follow  is  known  only  to  the 
giver  of  life. — When  the  summons  comes  I  shall  en 
deavor  to  obey  with  a  good  grace. — Mrs.  Washington 
has  been  and  still  is  very  much  indisposed — but  joins 
with  me  in  best  wishes  for  you  &  Mrs.  Ball  and  family. 
— With  great  esteem  &  regard 

I  am — Dear  Sir — Your  affect.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
COLO.  BURGESS  BALL. 


MOUNT  VERNON  22nd.  Septr.  1799 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  i6th.  Instant  came  to  my  hands 
by  the  last  post.  I  learn  with  regret  the  cause  of 
General  [Charles  Cotesworth]  Pinckney's  visit  to 
Rhode  Island.  From  the  accounts  of  his  Lady's 
health  by  Brigr.  Genl.  Washington,  it  is  to  be  feared 
her  case  is  dangerous. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  the  Recruiting  Service,  in 
the  district  to  which  you  were  assigned,  progresses  so 
slowly. — It  was  conjectured  beforehand  that  you 
would  have  many  difficulties  to  encounter  there. — The 
result  therefore,  is  not  a  matter  of  surprise. 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  277 

Until  you  are  requested  to  join  the  General  Officer 
to  whose  person  you  are  attached, — or  directed  by 
him  to  remain  Stationary  for  the  purpose  of  receiving, 
&  executing  his  orders,  I  conceive  it  will  be  best  on 
you  to  obey  the  orders  of  your  Colonel. 

Mr.  Lear  left  this  a  few  days  ago  for  the  air  of  the 
Mountains. — Mrs.  Washington  has  been  much  in 
disposed  but  joins  in  greeting  you  with 

Dr.  Sir— Yr.  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
CAPT.  PRESLY  THORNTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2 5th  Sept.,  1799. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  2nd.  instt.  came  duly  to  hand ; — 
but  previous  thereto,  I  had  written  to  Mr.  Francis  of 
Philadelphia,  (who  report  had  engaged  the  houses  to, 
I  was  building  in  the  Federal  City)  to  have  in  explicit 
terms  whether  he  meant  to  take  them,  or  not,  on  the 
conditions  I  offered  them, — namely — Seven  and  an  half 
per  sent  on  the  whole  cost;  —  to  which,  taxes,  if  any 
and  Insurance  against  fire,  were  to  be  added. —  On 
lower  terms,  no  person  in  the  Fedl.  City,  or  elsewhere 
that  I  could  hear  of  would  let — ;  a  but  few  who  would 
sell  on  these,  as  it  was  but  little  more  than  legal  and 
common  interest  of  money  when  it  is  well  known  that 
the  wear  &  of  houses  required  much  more. — 

I  have  waited  until  now,  to  name  Mr.  Francis's  an 
swer,  without  hearing  from  him ;  which  has  been  the 
cause  of  my  not  replying  to  your  letter  sooner. —  If 
his  answer  is  detained  much  longer,  I  shall  feel  myself 
under  no  obligation  to  prefer  him,  because  he  was  the 
first  applicant,  for  them. — • 

Although  my  house,  or  houses  (for  they  may  be  one  or 
two  as  occasion  requires)  are  I  believe,  upon  a  large 
scale  than  any  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capital,  yet  they, 


278        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

fall  far  short  of  your  wishes. — The  largest  room,  and 
that  occasionally  made  so,  is  not  more  than  a  foot  in 
length. — The  houses  are  three  flush  stories  of  Brick, 
besides  Garret  rooms: — and  in  the  judgment  of  those 
better  acquainted  in  these  matters  than  I  am,  capable 
of  accommodating  between  twenty  &  thirty  boarders. — 
The  buildings  are  not  costly,  but  elegantly  plain. — and 
the  whole  cost — at  a  pretty  neat  guess — may  be  be 
tween  fifteen  and  sixteen  thousand  dollars. — I  am  Sir 
Your  very  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 

To  MR.  JOHN  AVERY. 

MOUNT  VERNON  3oth.  Septr.  1799 
Sir, 

I  ought  to  begin  this  letter  with  an  apology  for 
having  neglected  to  do,  what  should  have  been 
done  long  ago,  that  is — to  remit  the  balance  due  on 
my  subscription  for  Mr.  Trumbull's  Prints. — 

The  truth  is — that  by  waiting  awhile  for  the  un 
packing  of  my  papers  to  see  if  any  thing  would  be 
found  elucidative  of  my  payment  on  this  occasion, 
the  thing  had  escaped  me  altogether,  and  occured 
again  by  accident. 

I  now  find  that  on  the  5th  of  April  1790,  I  paid  to 
John  Trumbull,  Esqr.  twelve  guineas,  which  is  entered 
in  my  Books  as  being  one  half  of  the  subscription  for 
four  copies  of  two  prints  to  be  published  by  him. — 
This,  I  presume,  was  paid  at  the  time  of  my  subscribing ; 
and  as  you  observe  in  your  letter  of  the  26th.  of  March, 
that  the  other  half  of  the  subscription  money  was  to 
be  paid  on  delivery  of  the  prints,  I  enclose  you  a  check 
on  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  for  twelve  guineas  more — 
say  fifty  six  dollars — for  which  sum,  when  you  shall 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  279 

have  received  it,  I  pray  you  to  advise  me,  specifying 
in  the  receipt,  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  paid. 
I  am  Sir 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servant 

Go.  WASHINGTON. 
MR.  JOSEPH  ANTHONY 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i8th.  Nov.,  1799. 
Gentlemen, 

Your  letter  of  the  i3th.  instt.  and  its  enclosure,  did 
not  reach  my  hands  until  Saturday  morning. — 

Enclosed  you  will  find  a  check  on  the  Bank  of  Col 
umbia,  for  my  dividend  on  stock  in  that  Bank,  for  the 
last  half  year. — Not  knowing  precisely,  what  percent 
age  it  drew,  I  am  uncertain  whether  it  will  exceed,  or 
fall  short  of  your  demand  on  me,  for  the  2d.  Instalment 
on  lot,  No.  1 6,  in  the  City. — If  the  latter,  please  to  in- 
forrmme  of  the  deficiency  and  the  amount  shall  be  trans 
mitted  in  Bank  notes. — With  great  esteem  &  regard, 
I  am  Gentlemen, 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt., 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  THE  COMMISSIONERS  OF  THE  FEDERAL  CITY. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  i8th  Novr.,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  favour  of  the  i3th  instt.  came  duly  to  hand. — I 
am  now  making  arrangements  at  the  Bank  of  Alex 
andria  for  obtaining  money. — When  this  is  accom 
plished  I  will  forward  a  check  on  that  Bank  for  the 
$1000  required  by  Mr.  Blagden,  &  hope  it  will  be  in  time 
to  answer  his  purposes. — 

I  have  no  objection  for  Mr.  Blagden 's  frequent  calls 
for  money  but  I  fear  the  work  which  is  not  enumerated 
in  the  Contract  with  him,  is  pretty  smartly  whipped  up 
in  the  price  of  it. — I  had  no  expectation  (for  instance) 


28o        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

that  a  well  little  more  than  30  feet  deep,  was  to  cost  me 
upwards  of  £70. — I  may,  however,  have  misconceived 
the  matter  from  ignorance  of  the  usual  rates. — With 
great  esteem  &  regard — I  am — Dr.  Sir 

Yr.  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  WILLM.  THORNTON,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2oth.  Novr.,  1799. 
Sir, 

Your  favour  of  the  i5th.  instant,  in  answer  to  my 
letters  of  the  9th  &  8th  &  addressed  to  the  Surveyor 
General  of  the  Land  Office  (wch.  proves  the  necessity 
there  was  for  my  plea  of  ignorance)  came  duly  to  hand, 
with  the  Land  Office  Treasury  warrants  for  your  oblig 
ing  attention  to  which,  I  pray  you  to  accept  my  thanks. 

Perceiving  by  your  letter  that  Willm.  Shepherd  has 
made  a  Survey,  &  returned  it  to  your  Office,  similar  in 
some  respects  to  my  proposed  Entry;  and  believing 
that  it  must  have  been  done  unknowingly  to  those  who 
have  lands  adjoining, — and  comprehends  land  always 
reputed  to  be  mine;  and  so  understood  by  all  the 
neighbourhood  thereabts.  I  request  the  favour  of  you  to 
furnish  me  with  a  copy  of  the  Survey  &  Plat,  that  I 
may  be  enabled  thereby  to  investigate  the  matter  more 
fully. — Until  which,  I  must  beg  that  this  letter  may  be 
considered  as  a  covent  against  a  Grant  thereof  to  Wm. 
Shepherd. 

If  the  rules  &  Proceedings  in  your  Office  require  a 
more  formal  protest  against  such  issue,  I  must  rely  on 
your  goodness  to  advice  me,  for  having  had  very  little 
to  do  with  the  local  Laws  of  the  State  since  the  Revo 
lution,  &  not  having  those  passed  since  that  period  by 
me,  I  may  be  mistaken  in  this,  as  in  my  former  appli 
cation. — 

Enclosed  is  a  five  dollar  Bill ; — if  it  be  insufficient  to 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  281 

cover  the  expense  of  the  Land  Warrant, — Copy  of 
Shepherd's  Survey, — and  the  Protest  against  a  Grrant 
issuing  thereon  you  will  please  to  advice. 

As  another  proof  of  my  unacquaintedness  in  this 
business  my  expectation  was,  that  the  Entry  I  pro 
posed  to  make  would  have  covered  all  the  land  within 
the  described  location, — but  the  warrant  fix  it,  I  per 
ceive,  to  100  acres  only. — It  may  be  more  or  it  may  be 
kess ;  and  cannot  be  ascertained  until,  the  Survey  is 
made. — I  should  not  like  to  be  fixed  to  the  above 
quantity,  if  the  vacant  land  exceeds  it. — 

I  am  Sir — 
Your  Most  Obedient  and  Very  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To   WILLM.  PRICE,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2oth.  Nov.,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

When  I  wrote  to  you  the  other  day,  I  expected  to 
have  settled  matters  with  the  Bk.  of  Alexandria  so  as 
to  have  been  enabled  to  have  sent  you,  for  Mr.  Blagden's 
use,  a  check  thereon  for  $1000. — But  not  being  well 
enough  acquainted  with  the  rules  of  the  Bank,  I  suf 
fered  what  are  called  discount  days,  to  pass  over  be 
fore  I  applied ;  for  which  reason  the  business  there  must 
remain  over  until  after  Tuesday  of  next  week. 

But,  if  to  do  this  will  be  attended  with  any  incon 
venience  to  Mr.  Blagden,  and  he  will  be  at  the  trouble  of 
riding,  or  sending  any  person  down  here,  competent  to 
receive  the  money — Mr.  Lewis,  who  has  it  by  him,  will 
lend  me  that  sum,  and  it  shall  be  paid  of  this  I  would 
thank  you  for  informing  Mr.  Blagden. 
With  esteem  &ca., 

I  remain  Yr.  Obedt.  Servt. 

G.   WASHINGTON. 
To  WILLM.  THORNTON,  Esq. 


282        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

MOUNT   VERNON    23rd.    Novr.     1799. 

Gentlemen, 

Your  letter  of  the  i9th.  was  reed,  yesterday. — If 
my  attendance  at  Mr.  Heiskell's  in  Alexandria  on  the 
26th.  could  render  you  any  real  service,  I  would  do 
it  with  pleasure. — 

But  all  that  I  could  relate  would  be  hearsay  whilst 
means  exist,  to  obtain  (I  presume)  positive  proofs  of 
the  facts  you  wish  to  establish. 

With  respect  to  the  division  of  the  tract  of  (what  you 
call)  51,302  acres,  I  am  as  ignorant  as  any  man  whom 
you  might  pick  up,  by  chance  in  the  Streets  of  Alex 
andria. — 

I  believe  Mr.  Jno.  West,  deceased,  was  one  of  the 
Patentee'  in  the  large  Survey  of  the  Mo.  of  the  Great 
Kanhawa; — but  to  this  fact  I  would  give  no  positive 
evidence: — for  after  being  at  the  whole  trouble,  and 
the  greater  part  of  the  expence  to  obtain  a  recognition 
of  the  original  grant  of  200,000  Acres; — and  being 
compelled,  very  improperly  I  did  think,  and  always 
have  thought,  to  take  it  in  twenty  Surveys,  the 
Government  and  Council  found  themselves,  by  this 
act  (which  was  protested  against)  under  the  necessity 
of  jumbling  a  number  of  names  into  the  same  Patent, 
in  order  to  give  each  claimant  according  to  his  grade, 
&  the  ratio  they  had  alloted  him  the  9th  (?)  allowed, — 
whereas  if  the  privilege  of  locating  that  quality, 
within  the  District  which  they  had  assigned  for  this 
purpose  had  been  given  to  each  Claimant,  it  would 
have  prevented  all  the  difficulties,  and  perplexities 
which  have  ensued,  to  the  inconvenience  of  all,  and 
entire  loss  of  the  land  to  some. — 

But  thus  the  matter  was  ordered,  by  that  body, — 
after  which,  and  the  issuing  of  the  Patents  consequent 
thereof,  my  Agency  ceased;  and  I  concerned  myself 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  283 

with  no  other  part  of  the  land  than  was  assigned  me, 
&  such  as  I  purchased  thereafter  of  others. — 

With  respect  to  the  decision  of  the  tract  you  allude 
to, — so  far  am  I  from  knowing  that  it  was  made 
according  to  law,  that  I  do  not  know  it  was  ever  made ; — 
and  as  to  the  issue  of  Mr.  Jno.  West,  I  am  entirely 
unacquainted,  otherwise  than  by  report ; — never  having 
been  in  his  house,  that  I  recollect,  more  than  once — 
and  that  over  30  years  ago — and  25  of  which  but  little 
in  this  state. —  I  am  Gentn. 

Your  very  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
MESSRS.  HEPBURN  &  DUNDAS. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  ist.  Deer.,  1799. 
Sir, 

In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  27th  ulto. — If  you 
have  no  vessel  passing  below  this  (from  whence  the 
Sugar  could  be  landed  with  very  little  trouble  or  delay) 
I  request  that  it  may  be  deposited  at  Colo.  Gilpin's,  in 
Alexandria. — • 

Let  the  cask  in  which  it  is  packed,  be  well  secured, — 
the  sugars  hitherto  had  from  you,  has,  sometimes, 
fallen  short  in  weight. — I  am  Sir 

Your  Very  Hble.  Servant 

G.  WASHINGTON. 


TRACED  FACSIMILE  OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON'S 
CHARACTERISTIC  WRITING. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON  285 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2d.  Deer.,  1799. 
Sir, 

I  have  been  duly  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  2  5th 
ulto.  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  Survey  made  for  William 
Shepherd,  for  four  &  three  quarter  acres,  and  the 
form  of  a  Carrate  against  the  issuing  a  Patent  therefor. 

I  cannot  from  the  Survey,  discover  with  presision 
where  this  land  lyes,  and  therefore  shall  give  no  further 
opposition  to  the  Grant  of  it. — If  it  be,  where  I  suspect 
it  is  within  the  bounds  of  a  Patent  under  which  I  hold, 
of  more  than  sixty  years'  standing — of  course,  cannot 
effect  it. — 

I  am  sorry  that  I  have  given  you  so  much  trouble  in 
this  business,  at  the  same  time  that  I  feel  obliged  by  the 
prompt  and  ready  advice  you  have  been  so  kind  as  to 
give  me  for  the  prosecution  of  it.  From  what  I  had 
heard  of  Shepherd's  Survey,  I  conceived  differently  of 
its  object. — 

I  am  Sir — 

Your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  WILLM.  PRICE,  Esq. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2d.  Deer.  1799 
Dear  Sir, 

Since  you  mentioned  the  Plaster  of  Paris  which  was 
for  sale  in  Richmond,  (but  after  you  left  this)  it  oc 
curred  to  me  that  as  it  was  not  a  saleable  article  with 
you  it  might  be  my  cheapest  mode  to  purchase  there  to 
supply  my  wants  of  this  article  next  year  on  my 
Farms  around  me. — 

Permit  me,  for  this  reason,  to  ask  the  favour  of  you  to 
learn  from  the  Gentleman  who  has  it  for  sale, — what 
quantity  he  has? — the  lowest  price  he  would  take  for  it 
by  the  ton  (the  whole  being  purchased)  there? — and 
what  delivered  at  my  landing? — As  a  Merchant,  ac- 


286         LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

quainted  with  Navigation,  he  will  be  at  no  loss  to  know 
at  what  freight  it  could  be  delivered  here. 

A  Gentleman  now  in  Alexandria  is  endeavouring  to 
obtain  Subscribers  for  a  vessel  load  from  Nova  Scotia ; 
the  terms  I  have  not  learned ; — but  if  that  in  Richmond 
be  good,  and  had  as  low,  I  should  prefer  because  it  is  al 
ready  in  the  Country,  and  the  risques  of  the  Sea 
avoided. — 

All,  however,  depends  upon  its  being  of  the  true  sort 
for  without  this,  it  would  be  as  useless  for  the  purpose 
intended,  as  pebble  stones. — There  are  two  colours  of  it 
— one  has  a  greyish — the  other  a  blewish  cast; — the 
latter  I  think  is  prefered;  but  both  are  good  when 
perfectly  free  from  grit,  or  sand ;  — having  any  of  the 
latter  is  a  proof  of  its  baseness. — The  best  criterion  for 
ascertaining  its  property,  is,  by  putting  the  fine  powder 
of  the  plaster,  into  a  skillet  or  Pot  without  moisture, — 
the  good  will  swell,  or  rise  up ;  the  bad  will  remain  dead, 
&  motionless. — 

I  would  thank  you  for  sending  me  (if  to  be  had)  two 
glaized  leather  hats  such  as  your  Postilions  wore,  and 
of  that  size. — Accompany  them  with  the  cost,  and  the 
money  shall  be  remitted  in  a  bank  note. — I  am  in  no 
immediate  want  of  them ;  an  occasional,  or  water  trans 
portation  (directed  to  the  home  of  Colo.  Gilpin  in  Alexa.) 
will  do. — 

I  hope  you  got  down  safe. — Our  Comps.  to  Mrs. 
Carrington. — I  am  always —  Dear  Sir 

Your  Affecte.  and  Obedt. 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
To  COLO.  (EDWARD)  CARRINGTON. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  2  5th  June,  1798. 
Dear  Sir, 

You  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  in  what  manner  I 
am  disappointed  in  receiving  the  Rent  for  my  house  in 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  287 

Alexandria.  These  things  put  you,  the  payer  &  my 
self  in  an  awkward  situation,  for  it  must  seem  strange 
to  demand  what  has  been  paid.  I  must  therefore  re 
quest,  in  explicit  terms,  that  you  will  receive  no  more 
monies  due  to  me,  and  I  should  be  glad  to  have  a  state 
ment  of  the  %  as  it  stands  between  us,  since  the  last 
was  rendered, — it  appearing  by  information,  from  my 
Collector  in  Montgomery  County,  Maryland,  that  some 
parts  of  my  Rents  there,  had  been  paid  to  you  since  the 
period  above  mentioned. 

I  have  not  the  smallest  doubt  of  my  being  credited 
for  every  farthing  you  receive — on  my  % — but  that 
does  not  remedy  the  evil.  With  sincere  esteem  and 
regard — I  am  Yr  Affe 

Go  WASHINGTON 
MR.  LEAR. 
[Washington  Papers,  Library  of  Congress] 

MOUNT  VERNON,  26th  June,  1798. 
Dear  Sir, 

Mr.  Anderson  requesting  that  the  boy  who  was  going 
to  the  Post  Office  yesterday,  might  call  &  deliver  a 
letter  to  you,  from  him,  concerning  flour. — Availing 
myself  of  that  conveyance,  I  sat  down,  and  was  in  the 
act  of  writing  the  hasty  lines  you  received  from  me  by 
him,  when  I  was  summoned  to  dinner.  In  my  hurry 
to  close  and  Seal  it,  I  omitted  the  enclosure  then  re 
fer  ed  to,  and  which  is  now  forwarded. 

I  can  only  repeat,  what  I  mentioned  yesterday,  that 
I  never  had  the  most  distant  suspicion  that  every  far 
thing  that  you  had  received,  or  might  receive  on  my  %, 
would  be  justly  credited,  but  this  will  not  supply  my 
wants,  and  it  would  be  uncandid  and  inconsistent  with 
the  frankness  of  friendship,  not  to  declare  that  I  have 
not  approved  nor  cannot  approve,  of  having  my  money 
received  and  applied  to  uses  not  my  own,  without  my 


288        LETTERS  AND  RECOLLECTIONS 

consent,  and  even  without  advice  of  it ;  which,  among 
other  improprieties  of  the  measure,  involves  the  awk 
ward,  and  unpleasant  consequences  mentioned  in  my 
letter  of  yesterday. 

You  must  be  too  well  acquainted  with  the  product  of 
my  Farms,  &  the  expence  I  live  at,  to  need  information 
that  my  income,  arising  from  them,  would  not  meet  my 
expenditures,  and  that,  had  it  not  been  for  monies 
arising  from  the  Sale  of  Lands,  my  business  must  have 
stopped,  or  my  embarrassments  at  this  moment  would 
have  been  great  and  in  this  last  resourse,  I  have  met 
with  disappointments,  for  of  three — nay  four — Instal 
ments  for  different  tracts  of  land,  now  &  sometime 
since  due,  I  see  no  likelihood  of  receiving  a  shilling. 

I  do  not  bring  these  facts  to  your  view  with  inten 
tion  of  reminding  you  of  your  Debt  to  me.  On  the 
contrary,  take  your  own  time,  &  convenience,  to  pay 
it, — but  let  the  whole  %  be  settled,  that  I  may  see,  and 
know  the  precise  statement  of  the  Balance  between  us. 
With  the  greatest  esteem  &  friendship,  I  remain 

Your  Affectionate 

G.  WASHINGTON 
MR.  LEAR 
[Washington  Papers,  Library  of  Congress.] 

MOUNT  VERNON,  4th  July  1798 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  received  your  letter  and  %  of  the  2d  Inst. 
and  presume  it  is  all  right.  I  wish  however  you  had 
charged  the  Scow,  &  given  credit,  for  the  articles  had 
from  Mr.  Anderson,  as  it  was  my  wish  to  have  seen  a 
complete  state  of  it. 

The  thousand  dollars  lent,  was  not  on  usury;  and 
therefore  I  desire  it  may  be  struck  out  of  your  %,  as  I 
shall  do  it  out  of  mine,  when  it  comes  to  be  entered  in 
my  Ledger. — I  mean  the  Interest,  which  you  have 


OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  289 

given  me  credit  for — $60 — And  it  is  not  my  desire,  as  I 
mentioned  in  my  former  letter,  that  you  should  put 
yourself  to  any  inconvenience  in  paying  the  principal. 

I  have  been  so  much  engaged  for  the  few  days,  past, 
that  I  have  been  unable  to  look  into  any  accounts 
whatever,  of  course,  I  cannot  now  say  what  has  been 
charged  to  me,  as  paid  to  you.  I  recollected  however, 
that  this  was  plead,  when  my  Collector  in  Maryland 
was  called  upon  for  my  Rents. 

My  Papers  are  yet  in  such  a  jumble,  that  I  know  not 
where,  readily  to  look  for  your  former  % ;  but  it  dwells 
upon  my  Memory  that  in  that,  I  was  charged  with  £50 
paid  the  Trustees  of  the  Academy  in  Alexandria — if  I 
am  right  in  this,  the  Treasurer  thereof  has  received  a 
year's  annuity  more  than  the  School  is  entitled  to. 
Reference  to  your  Books,  if  you  have  them  by  you,  or 
to  the  %  rendered  to  me  when  I  come  across  it,  will 
decide  the  matter  at  once. 

With  very  great  esteem  and  respect 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  affectionate 

G.  WASHINGTON 
MR  LEAR 
[From  the  Washington  Papers,  Library  of  Congress.] 


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